Question

Describe the bonding in $HF$?

• A. s-s bonds
• B. s-p bonds
• C. p-p bonds
• D. ${sp}^3-p$ bonds
• E. ${sp}^2-{sp}^2$ bonds

Answer 1

The correct option is B s-p bonds

The electronic configuration of the hydrogen atom is $1s^1$ and that of fluorine atom is $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^5$.

Therefore, the outermost s-orbital of hydrogen atom forms a bond with the incomplete p-orbital of fluorine atom.

This leads to the formation of the $s-p$ bond.

Hence the correct option is B.