Question

What are the two radii shown as ‘a’ 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)

a = Covalent radius, b = van der Waals’ radius

Answer 2

: ‘a’ 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 of two closest molecules.