The intermolecular potential energy for the molecules $\mathrm{A}, \mathrm{B}, \mathrm{C}$ and D given below suggest that:

(D) A - B has the stiffest bond.

(A) A - A has the largest bond enthalpy

(B) $\mathrm{A}-\mathrm{D}$ has the shortest bond length

(C) D is more electronegative than other atoms

JEE Main · 2020 · 04 Sep 2020 · Shift 1 · Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure

The intermolecular potential energy for the molecules

A, B, C

and D given below suggest that:

(A)A - A has the largest bond enthalpy
(B) $A - D$ has the shortest bond length
(C)D is more electronegative than other atoms
(D)A - B has the stiffest bond.✓ Correct

Answer: (D)

Solution

On an intermolecular potential-energy curve the depth of the well measures the bond strength, while the sharpness of its curvature near the minimum measures the stiffness, since a steeper well resists stretching and compression more strongly. Of the curves shown, the A--B curve is the steepest around its minimum, so A--B is the stiffest bond.

JEE Main · 2020 · 04 Sep 2020 · Shift 1 · Single correct option

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