Which one of the following is the weakest kind of the bonding in solids ?

Options

A. Ionic
B. Metallic
C. van der Waals'
D. Covalent

Answer

To determine the weakest kind of bonding in solids, we can analyze the different types of bonding that exist in solid materials. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Identify the types of bonding in solids
In solids, there are several types of bonding that can occur, including:
- Ionic bonding
- Covalent bonding
- Metallic bonding
- Van der Waals forces

### Step 2: Understand the strength of each type of bonding
- **Ionic bonding**: This type of bonding occurs between positively and negatively charged ions. It is generally strong due to the electrostatic attraction between the ions.
- **Covalent bonding**: This involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms. Covalent bonds can also be quite strong, especially in network solids like diamond.
- **Metallic bonding**: This type of bonding occurs in metals where electrons are shared in a "sea" of electrons. It is strong due to the attraction between the positively charged metal ions and the delocalized electrons.
- **Van der Waals forces**: These are weak intermolecular forces that include dipole-dipole interactions and London dispersion forces. They are significantly weaker than ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds.

### Step 3: Compare the strengths of these bonds
Among the types of bonding listed:
- Ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds are all relatively strong.
- Van der Waals forces are much weaker compared to the other types of bonding.

### Step 4: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the weakest kind of bonding in solids is **Van der Waals forces**.

Thus, the answer to the question is:
**Van der Waals forces (Option C)**.

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