CHEMISTRY · Single correct · A Level · Chemistry · Bonding · Bonding
Problem
HF has a higher bond energy than HCl. Which of the following best explains this observation?
(a) Fluorine is more electronegative than chlorine, leading to a stronger ionic character in HF, increasing its bond energy.
(b) HF molecules form strong hydrogen bonds that add to the strength of the H–F bond itself, giving HF a higher bond energy than HCl.
(c) The H–F bond is shorter because fluorine has a smaller atomic radius than chlorine, increasing the attraction between the bonded nuclei and shared electrons.
(d) The lower molar mass of HF allows its molecules to move faster and collide more often, which strengthens the H–F bond compared to HCl.