Question
SMALL covalent molecules have -(1) bonds between ATOMS and -(2)- forces between molecules. 1: weak covalent; 2: weak intermolecular 1: strong covalent; 2:strong intermolecular 1: weak covalent; 2: strong intermolecular 1: strong covalent; 2: weak intermolecular
Answer
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Gregory
Elite · Tutor for 8 years
Answer
1: strong covalent; 2: weak intermolecular
Explanation
Small covalent molecules are characterized by strong covalent bonds between atoms within the molecule. These bonds are strong because they involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, which creates a strong bond. However, between the molecules themselves, the forces are weak intermolecular forces. These forces are weaker because they involve the attraction between the positive and negative ends of polar molecules or between the instantaneous dipoles in non-polar molecules. This contrast between strong intramolecular forces (within the molecule) and weak intermolecular forces (between molecules) is a defining characteristic of small covalent molecules.