Question

How would you compare the strengths between ionic bonds, covalent bonds, hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces?

Answer 1

The formation of covalent bonds and ionic bonds are considered as intramolecular bonding where the bonding takes place between the atoms of the same molecule. The hydrogen bonding and Van der waal forces are considered as intermolecular bonding where the forces exist between the molecules. The sigma covalent bond is considered as the strongest bond.

Complete step by step answer:
Covalent bonds: The covalent bonds are considered as the strongest bond among the given bonds. The covalent bonds are formed by the mutual sharing of valence electrons by the two atoms which results to form a molecule. The covalent bonds are the intramolecular bond.
Example: Diamond is the allotrope of pure carbon which is formed from the covalent networking of bonds formed by the sharing of electrons by the carbon atoms. The melting point of diamonds is generally very high.
Ionic bonds: The ionic bonds are second in number among the given chemical bonds. The ionic bonds are formed by the transfer of electrons by the atoms which results to form negative charge anion and positive charge cation. The negative and positive charge are held together by the strong electrostatic force of attraction.
Example: Sodium chloride NaCl is formed from $N{a^ + }$ cation and $C{l^ - }$ anion.
Hydrogen bonds: Hydrogen bonds are not actually considered as the bonds, they act as a specific type of dipole-dipole interaction. The hydrogen bonds are formed due to the electronegativity difference between the atoms where the hydrogen is bonded to an electronegative atom.
Example: Hydrogen fluoride HF, Hydrogen is bonded to fluorine by hydrogen bond.
Dispersion force (Van der Waals forces): The Van der Waals force is the weakest bond among the given bonds and they are formed due to momentary dipoles caused because of unequal distribution of electrons in the molecules as they move towards each other. The dispersion force is the only force of attraction observed in non-polar molecules.

Note:
There is one another type of bonding known as dipole-dipole interactions. The dipole-dipole interaction is stronger than the dispersion force (Van der Waals forces). The dipole-dipole forces are formed when there is a larger difference in electronegativity between the atoms which are bonded by a covalent bond.