In the balanced combustion reaction of nitric oxide (NO), how many new chemical bonds are formed in the products?

• A. 2
• B. 4
• C. 3
• D. 1

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Write the balanced combustion reaction for nitric oxide (NO). The general combustion reaction involves NO reacting with O₂ to form products, typically nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). The balanced equation is: \$2\,\mathrm{NO} + \mathrm{O}_2 \rightarrow 2\,\mathrm{NO}_2$.
2. Identify the bonds present in the reactants. In NO, there is one N–O bond per molecule, and in O₂, there is an O=O double bond.
3. Identify the bonds present in the products. In NO₂, each molecule has one N=O double bond and one N–O single bond (with resonance contributing to bond character).
4. Calculate the total number of bonds in the reactants and products. For 2 NO molecules, count the N–O bonds; for 1 O₂ molecule, count the O=O bond. For 2 NO₂ molecules, count the N=O and N–O bonds accordingly.
5. Determine the number of new bonds formed by comparing the total bonds in products to those in reactants. The difference gives the number of new chemical bonds formed during the reaction.