Final answer:
The true statement is that a triple bond is stronger than a single bond. This concept is rooted in the relationship between bond length and bond strength being inversely related as the number of shared electron pairs increases.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of covalent bonding, there are certain patterns and trends in bond strengths and lengths as the number of bonds between atoms increases. When it comes to the statements provided, we have to identify which one is true.
The correct statement among the provided options is that a triple bond is stronger than a single bond. Due to the increased number of electron pairs shared between atoms in a triple bond compared to a single bond, the triple bond comes with greater bond energy and therefore more strength. This is supported by the general chemical principle that bond strength increases and bond length decreases as the number of shared electron pairs in the bond increases. Conversely, a single bond, involving fewer shared electrons, is weaker and longer.
Therefore, statement 4, 'a triple bond is stronger than a single bond', is the true statement, while the other choices are false. To further clarify:
- A double bond is shorter and stronger than a single bond.
- A triple bond is stronger and shorter than a double bond.