Question

electrons that are being shared. which pair of atoms below has the strongest covalent bond?
a. c——c
b. o===o
c. n≡≡n
d. h——h
options:
c. n≡≡n
d. h—h
b. o==o
a. c—c

Explanation:

To determine the strongest covalent bond, we use the concept that bond strength is related to bond order (single, double, triple). Triple bonds are stronger than double, which are stronger than single.

• Option A: \( \text{C}-\text{C} \) is a single bond (bond order = 1).
• Option B: \( \text{O}=\text{O} \) is a double bond (bond order = 2).
• Option C: \( \text{N}\equiv\text{N} \) is a triple bond (bond order = 3).
• Option D: \( \text{H}-\text{H} \) is a single bond (bond order = 1).

Since triple bonds have the highest bond order and thus the strongest bond, \( \text{N}\equiv\text{N} \) (Option C) has the strongest covalent bond.

Answer:

C. \( \text{N}\equiv\text{N} \)