Which of the following statements about the correlation of bond order with bond strength is false?

• A. Bond order can be used to compare the relative strengths of similar bonds in different molecules.
• B. A higher bond order generally corresponds to a weaker bond.
• C. Bond strength typically increases as bond order increases.
• D. A bond order of 1 usually indicates a single bond.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of bond order: Bond order is defined as half the difference between the number of bonding electrons and antibonding electrons in a molecule. It gives an indication of the bond's stability and strength.
2. Recall the general relationship between bond order and bond strength: Typically, a higher bond order means more bonding interactions between atoms, which usually leads to a stronger bond.
3. Analyze each statement in the problem: Identify which statements correctly describe the correlation between bond order and bond strength, and which one contradicts the general understanding.
4. Recognize that the false statement is the one claiming 'A higher bond order generally corresponds to a weaker bond,' because this contradicts the established principle that higher bond order usually means stronger bonds.
5. Confirm that the other statements are true: Bond order can be used to compare relative bond strengths in similar molecules, bond strength increases with bond order, and a bond order of 1 corresponds to a single bond.