Question

the general rule of thumb is that the _____a substance's atoms and the _____ the bonds, the harder the substance

Answer 1

Smaller and stronger.

Explanation:

The general rule of thumb is that the SMALLER a substance's atoms and the STRONGER the bonds, the harder the substance.

Two of the strongest forms of chemical bond are the ionic and the covalent bonds.

Answer 2

The general rule of thumb is that the smaller a substance's atoms and the stronger the bonds, the harder the substance to react and interact with other atoms. Since the stability is higher. Hope this answers the question. Have a nice day.