Question

molecules are attracted to one another by van der waals forces. how do van der waals forces compare with ionic and covalent bonds?
o a. van der waals forces are stronger than ionic and covalent bonds.
o b. van der waals forces are weaker than ionic and covalent bonds.
o c. van der waals forces are stronger than ionic bonds, but weaker than covalent bonds.
o d. van der waals forces are stronger than covalent bonds, but weaker than ionic bonds.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we recall the relative strengths of intermolecular forces (Van der Waals forces) and intramolecular bonds (ionic and covalent bonds). Van der Waals forces (like London dispersion, dipole - dipole, hydrogen bonding) are intermolecular attractions, while ionic and covalent bonds are intramolecular (hold atoms within a molecule together). Intramolecular bonds are much stronger than intermolecular forces. So Van der Waals forces are weaker than both ionic and covalent bonds.

Answer:

B. Van der Waals forces are weaker than ionic and covalent bonds.