Chemistry - PERIODIC TABLE Question with Solution | TestHub

Identify the components of distance $q$: The distance $q$ is measured from the center of the 1ˢᵗ atom to the center of the 3ʳᵈ atom.

Covalent bond distance: The 1ˢᵗ and 2ⁿᵈ atoms are covalently bonded, so the distance between their centers is equal to twice the covalent radius ($2p$).

Van der Waals distance: The 2ⁿᵈ and 3ʳᵈ atoms are non-bonded neighboring atoms from adjacent molecules, so the distance between their centers is twice the Van der Waals radius ($2r_{vdw}$).

Set up the equation: $q=2p+2r_{vdw}$

Solve for $r_{vdw}$:

$$2r_{vdw}=q-2p$$

$$r_{vdw}=\frac{q-2p}{2}\mathring{A}$$