Equilibrium Bond Length
Definition
Equilibrium bond length is defined as the average distance between two bonded atoms where their potential energy is minimum (the most stable state).
Analogy
Consider equilibrium bond length as if it were two people standing arm-in-arm; they need to be close enough to hold each other, but not so close that they're uncomfortable. The equilibrium bond length is the perfect distance where both are comfortable and stable.
Related terms
Bond Energy: This is the amount of energy required to break a chemical bond.
Covalent Radius: Half of the distance between two atoms that are bonded together in a molecule.
Van der Waals Radius: It's defined as half the distance between two non-bonded atoms when their potential energy is minimum.
"Equilibrium Bond Length" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (1)
- What is true about equilibrium bond length?
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