CHEMISTRY COMMUNITY

I am confused on how to tell which bond is stronger for example when comparing a single bond with a triple bond how do we know which is shorter or longer? also how do we know whether one is stronger or weaker?

As bond order increases, so does strength. So, a triple bond is stronger than a double bond, and a double bond is stronger than a single bond. The one that is stronger is usually shorter, ie a double bond is shorter than a single bond. Also, if there are lone pairs, it can weaken a bond.

Bond strength increases with the number of bonds, so triple bond > double bond > single bond. Bond length works in the opposite manner, with the weakest bonds being the longest bonds, so triple bond < double bond < single bond.

When you are looking at comparing two of the same bond type (like two triple bonds), you can figure out which is longer and weaker by factoring in the radius of the atoms involved. Atoms with a larger radius will make the bond longer and as a result weaker (and vice versa, smaller radius=smaller bond=stronger).