Carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen have the following atomic radii (in picometres): C = 77; H = 37; N = 74; O = 73. Which of the following covalent bonds is the shortest?
A) C-H
B) N-H
C) C-O
D) C-C
E) O-H

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The covalent bond length is generally shorter when the atoms involved have smaller atomic radii. Since hydrogen has the smallest atomic radius and oxygen is also relatively small, the O-H bond is the shortest among the given options.

Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, and Oxygen Have the Following Atomic Radii