The Cl-Cl bond energy is 243 kJ/mol. Therefore the formation of a single bond between chlorine atoms ? A) should require the absorption of 243 kJ per mole of Cl2 formed. B) should result in the release of 243 kJ per mole of Cl2 formed.

1 Answer
Apr 24, 2015

The bond energy, or bond enthalpy, expresses the energy needed to break a chemical bond, that's why it will always be listed as a positive value.

In your case, 243 kJ of energy are required to break the Cl-Cl bond per mole of Cl2 molecules.

On the other hand, when a Cl-Cl bond is formed, 243 kJ of energy are released per mole of Cl2 molecules.

Bond making is an exothermic process, while bond breaking is an endothermic process.

Therefore, the answer is B) - the formation of a Cl-Cl bond will release 243 kJ per mole of Cl2 formed.