When a molecular bond is weak, the atoms are easy to separate. Which type of chemical bond is generally the weakest among the following?

• A. Covalent bond
• B. Hydrogen bond
• C. Ionic bond
• D. Metallic bond

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the strength of a chemical bond depends on the type of interaction holding the atoms or ions together.
2. Recall that covalent bonds involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, which generally creates strong bonds.
3. Recognize that ionic bonds result from the electrostatic attraction between positively and negatively charged ions, which are typically quite strong.
4. Know that metallic bonds involve a 'sea of electrons' shared among metal atoms, providing good strength and conductivity.
5. Identify that hydrogen bonds are a type of intermolecular force (not a true chemical bond) that occurs between a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom and another electronegative atom, making them generally the weakest among the options listed.