Question

What are the two radii shown as ${}^{\prime }{a}^{\prime }$ and $‘b’$ in the figure known as?

• A. a = Atomic radius, b = Molecular radius
• B. a = Covalent radius, b = van der Waals’ radius
• C. a = Ionic radius, b = Covalent radius
• D. a = Covalent radius, b = Atomic radius

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

${}^{\prime }{a}^{\prime }$ represents covalent radius which is the distance between the nuclei of two bonded atoms, $‘b’$ represents van der Waals’ radius which is the distance between nuclei o f two closest molecules.