Which of the following types of chemical bonds is generally considered the weakest?

• A. Van der Waals (London dispersion) force
• B. Hydrogen bond
• C. Ionic bond
• D. Covalent bond

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that chemical bonds and intermolecular forces differ in strength and nature. Covalent, ionic, and hydrogen bonds are types of chemical bonds or strong intermolecular forces, while Van der Waals (London dispersion) forces are weak intermolecular forces.
2. Recall that covalent bonds involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, making them very strong and stable bonds.
3. Recognize that ionic bonds result from the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions, which are generally strong but can be weaker in certain environments like in water.
4. Know that hydrogen bonds are a special type of dipole-dipole interaction involving hydrogen atoms bonded to highly electronegative atoms (like O, N, or F), and are stronger than typical dipole interactions but weaker than covalent or ionic bonds.
5. Identify that Van der Waals (London dispersion) forces arise from temporary fluctuations in electron distribution creating instantaneous dipoles, making them the weakest type of interaction among the options listed.