Question

Strongest bonding out of the following is:
A. Van de Waal
B. ionic
C. covalent
D. metallic

Answer 1

Hint: To hold the atoms or molecules in a compound, certain forces are needed which are generally forces of attractions. Due to these forces different types of chemical bonds are formed which bind the molecule together.

Complete step by step answer:
(1) Van de Waal – Normally, the electron density around an atom is symmetrical, and any fluctuation in this symmetry leads to the interaction between the electron rich region of an atom to the electron poor region of another atom. This happens when one molecule collides with another or passes very closely to another. This causes a temporary attraction between them called Van der Waals force of attraction. The bonding formed due to this is called Van der Waal bonding. Since it is a temporary force, it is weak in nature. Hence, option (a) is incorrect.
(2) Ionic bonding – When an electron is transferred completely between two atoms then the bond which forms is called ionic bond. This bond creates two oppositely charged ions. In this, metal being electropositive, loses electron to become a cation and nonmetal being electronegative gains that electron to form anions. This involves a coulombic force of attraction which a very strong force of attraction, so, ionic bonds are very strong.
(3) Covalent bond – when electrons are shared between two atoms then the bond formed is called covalent bond. By sharing electrons, atoms gain stability by Octet rule. This bonding is mainly shown by non-metals. It is comparatively stronger than Van der walls but weaker than ionic bonding.
(4) Metallic bonding – Like covalent bonding, metallic bonds also involve sharing of electrons, but here, free electrons are shared among the positively charged cation in a lattice. It is mainly shown by metal atoms. As it involves sharing of electrons, it is weaker than ionic bonds. Hence, option 9d0 is incorrect.
Hence, option (b) is the correct answer, ionic bonding is strongest among all given.

Note: Ionic bonding occurs because generally, metals have few numbers of electrons in their valence shell, by losing those electrons, they can obtain noble gas configuration, and are stable by Octet rule. Similarly, non-metals can gain electrons to complete their octet and achieve(b) ionic noble gas configuration.