Bond length

Definition

Bond length is the average distance between the nuclei of two bonded atoms in a molecule. It is a measure of the strength and stability of the bond.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bond length varies depending on the types of atoms involved and the number of bonds between them.
2. Single bonds are generally longer than double bonds, which are longer than triple bonds.
3. Bond length decreases as bond order increases because multiple bonding pairs draw atoms closer together.
4. Electronegativity differences between bonded atoms can affect bond length; greater differences often result in shorter bond lengths due to stronger attractions.
5. Bond length can be experimentally determined using techniques such as X-ray crystallography or spectroscopy.

Review Questions

• How does bond order affect bond length?
• What methods can be used to determine bond lengths experimentally?
• Why do electronegativity differences influence bond lengths?

Related terms

Bond Order:

The number of chemical bonds between a pair of atoms, influencing bond strength and length.

Electronegativity:

A measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold electrons within a covalent bond.

Covalent Bond:

A type of chemical bond where two atoms share one or more pairs of valence electrons.