Which interaction between atoms is the strongest?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms, resulting in a very strong bond. This is why covalent compounds (such as diamond or glucose) require a lot of energy to break apart. In contrast, the other choices involve weaker interactions between atoms. While ionic attraction involves the transfer of electrons and can result in a strong attraction between oppositely charged ions, it is not as strong as a covalent bond. Hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces are even weaker, relying on temporary dipoles or partial charges to attract molecules to each other. Hydrophobic interactions involve a lack of attraction, rather than a strong attraction, between nonpolar molecules.

Which Interaction Between Atoms Is the Strongest