Consider the following reaction : MX4 + X'2 -> MX4X'2. If atomic number of M is 52 and X and X' are — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Identify that covalent bonds are strong primary bonds formed by orbital overlap, resulting in short bond lengths. In water/ice, the O-H covalent bond is about 0.97 Å. Step 2: Hydrogen bonds are weaker secondary electrostatic attractions (intermolecular forces) with much larger distances between the participating atoms. In ice, the O...H hydrogen bond length is about 1.76 Å. Step 3: Since the hydrogen bond length (~1.76 Å) is significantly longer than the covalent O-H bond length (~0.97 Å), the length of H-bonds is greater than that of covalent bonds, matching option (b).