Bond strengths — Molecules whose atoms are held together by which type of bond exhibit the strongest chemical linkages?

Introduction / Context:
Relative bond strengths determine stability and energy requirements for reactions. In biochemistry and materials, covalent bonds form the backbone of molecules, while weaker noncovalent interactions govern assembly and recognition.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Covalent bonds involve sharing electrons between atoms.
• Noncovalent interactions (hydrogen bonds, ionic interactions in water, van der Waals) are weaker individually.
• Comparison is about intrinsic bond strength holding atoms together within a molecule.

Concept / Approach:
Covalent bond energies typically range from ~150 to 400 kJ/mol, exceeding hydrogen bonds (5–30 kJ/mol) and many ionic interactions in aqueous media (weakened by solvation). Therefore, covalent bonds furnish the strongest linkages for atomic connectivity in molecules.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Thermal and photochemical data show breaking covalent bonds requires significantly more energy than disrupting hydrogen or ionic contacts in water.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Noncovalent: include hydrogen bonds and dispersion forces, much weaker.
• Ionic: strong in vacuum/solids, but solvation in water reduces effective strength vs covalent bonds within molecules.
• Hydrogen: weak and easily reversible.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing lattice energies of ionic crystals with the covalent bonds forming molecular frameworks.

Final Answer:
covalent