Which of the following types of forces has the smallest energy per bond?

• A. Hydrogen bonds
• B. London dispersion forces
• C. Covalent bonds
• D. Ionic bonds

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the question asks about the relative strength of different types of intermolecular and intramolecular forces, specifically comparing their bond energies.
2. Recall that covalent bonds and ionic bonds are types of intramolecular forces, which are generally much stronger because they involve the sharing or transfer of electrons between atoms.
3. Recognize that hydrogen bonds are a type of strong intermolecular force, stronger than other van der Waals forces but weaker than covalent and ionic bonds.
4. Identify London dispersion forces as the weakest type of intermolecular force, arising from temporary fluctuations in electron distribution that induce temporary dipoles.
5. Conclude that because London dispersion forces are the weakest intermolecular forces, they have the smallest energy per bond compared to hydrogen bonds, covalent bonds, and ionic bonds.