In the context of chemical reactions, when does the breaking of chemical bonds release energy?

• A. When the bonds being broken are stronger than the bonds being formed
• B. When the reaction is endothermic
• C. Never; breaking chemical bonds always requires an input of energy
• D. When the reaction occurs at high temperature

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that breaking chemical bonds requires energy input because bonds represent a stable, lower-energy state; energy must be supplied to overcome this stability.
2. Recognize that bond formation releases energy because atoms move to a more stable, lower-energy state when new bonds form.
3. Recall that in any chemical reaction, the overall energy change depends on the balance between energy absorbed to break bonds and energy released when new bonds form.
4. Note that breaking bonds alone never releases energy; it always requires energy input, regardless of reaction conditions like temperature.
5. Conclude that the statement 'breaking chemical bonds always requires an input of energy' is correct, and energy release occurs only during bond formation, not bond breaking.