NEETChemistryChemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
What does the van der Waals radius measure in nonbonded situations?
Options
- AThe distance between two similar atoms in separate molecules in a solid.
- BThe distance between two dissimilar atoms in a covalent bond.
- CThe overall size of the atom including its valence shell.
- DThe radius of an atom's core in contact with the core of an adjacent atom.
Correct answer
C. The overall size of the atom including its valence shell.
Step-by-step solution
The van der Waals radius measures the overall size of the atom, including its valence shell, in nonbonded situations.