If it takes energy to break bonds and you gain energy in the formation of bonds,how can some reactions be exothermic while others are endothermic?
A)It is the total amount of energy that matters.Sometimes some bonds are stronger than others and so you gain or lose energy when you form them.
B)It is the total number of bonds that matters.Sometimes you create more bonds than you break and since all bonds have same amount of energy you gain or lose energy depending on the number of bonds.
C)Some reactants have more energetic bonds than others and they will always release energy.
D)Some products have more energy than others and they always require energy to be formed.
E)none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy gained or lost in a reaction depends on the difference between the energy required to break bonds in the reactants and the energy released in forming bonds in the products. Some bonds are stronger than others, so breaking them requires more energy, while forming weaker bonds releases less energy. Therefore, it is possible for some reactions to be exothermic (releasing energy) and others to be endothermic (requiring energy).

If It Takes Energy to Break Bonds and You Gain