Which statement correctly describes the role of energy in chemical bond formation and breaking?

• A. Energy is released when bonds are formed and absorbed when bonds are broken.
• B. Energy is released both when bonds are formed and when bonds are broken.
• C. Energy is absorbed both when bonds are formed and when bonds are broken.
• D. Energy is absorbed when bonds are formed and released when bonds are broken.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that chemical bonds involve interactions between atoms where energy changes occur during bond formation and bond breaking.
2. Recall that bond formation is an exothermic process, meaning energy is released when atoms come together to form a stable bond.
3. Recognize that bond breaking is an endothermic process, meaning energy must be absorbed to overcome the bond and separate the atoms.
4. Compare the given statements with these principles: energy released during bond formation and energy absorbed during bond breaking.
5. Conclude that the correct description is: Energy is released when bonds are formed and absorbed when bonds are broken.