The heat of atomization is defined as the enthalpy change that accompanies the total breakdown of a molecule into its constituent atoms (gas phase). The heat of atomization of SiH₄ is 1194 kJ/mol while it is 1351 kJ/mol for SiH₃Cl. Using only this data, calculate the bond energy for the Si—Cl bond.

• A. 298.5 kJ/mol
• B. 455.5 kJ/mol
• C. 157.0 kJ/mol
• D. 314.0 kJ/mol

Answer: (B)