Question

Which is stronger: the covalent bond that holds atoms together within a molecule or the electrical attraction between two neighboring molecules? Explain.

Answer 1

Covalent bond between two atoms

Step-by-step explanation:

Covalent bond is a bond formed between atoms as a result of sharing of there valence electrons. The shared electrons are called the shared pair. An example of a covalent bond is that between the carbon atom and the four hydrogen atoms present in methane (CH4). Each of the hydrogen atoms share its electron with each of the unpaired electrons on the outermost shell of the carbon. After this combination, the atoms remain bonded together as a molecule.

The electrical interaction between two molecules is a type of intermolecular interaction (referred to as dipole-dipole interaction). Here, the positively charged pole of a molecule is attracted to the negatively charged pole of the other molecule or vice versa. They are generally weaker than covalent and ionic bonds.

Answer 2

I think the correct answer among the choices is the first one. The covalent bond that holds atoms together within a molecule is much stronger than the electrical attraction between two neighboring molecules. This is because in covalent bonds electrons are shared by the atoms in order to be stable without and atoms will always find a way for them to be stable while attractions between neighboring molecules can be temporary only.