Chemical bonds hold atoms together in molecules. To break apart the atoms in a molecule requires energy sufficient to overcome the attractive force holding the atoms together. Based on this statement, when we break a chemical bond, is energy absorbed by the chemical bond or is energy released from the chemical bond?

Question

Bryant

Chemistry

10 October, 13:53

Chemical bonds hold atoms together in molecules. To break apart the atoms in a molecule requires energy sufficient to overcome the attractive force holding the atoms together. Based on this statement, when we break a chemical bond, is energy absorbed by the chemical bond or is energy released from the chemical bond?

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Answers (1)

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Michael · Answer 1

When breaking a chemical bond, energy is absorbed by the chemical bond.

Explanation:

Chemical bonds are the forces of attraction that joins two chemical species. There are two types of chemical bonds: Strong Primary and Weak Secondary bonds.

When a chemical bond is formed between two species, it is accompanied by the release of energy. Therefore, bond formation is an exothermic process.

However, energy is always required to break a chemical bond. As energy is needed to overcome the attractive forces present between the two species. Therefore, bond dissociation is an endothermic process.

Therefore, during bond dissociation, energy is absorbed by the chemical bond.