Had a recent mix-up when I re-read my chemistry notes, and trying to clear things up properly; is this right?:
When bonds form, energy is released, and so the reaction absorbs energy.
I have two different things written... a bond breaking results in energy absorption, breaking a bond requires energy... is that the same thing? So basically... "breaking a bond requires energy... which results in energy absorption"? But then this contradicts with what is said above... Because according to the above, when bonds break, absorption of energy occurs, not when bonds form...
Different pages in my notes say different things and my textbook is saying different things too, please help to clear this up!
Breaking a bond required energy. Energy is absorbed when bonds are broken. That much you know. I think the mix up may be in that first statement.
When bonds form, energy is released, and so the reaction absorbs energy.
Yes, energy is released when bonds form. Whether the REACTION absorbs or releases energy, however, is determined by how much energy is absorbed by breaking bonds and how much energy is released on forming bonds. If more energy is released than absorbed the NET result will be an exothermic reaction; if more energy is absorbed by breaking bonds than is emitted from making bonds then the reaction will be endothermic.
I understand your confusion. Let me try to clarify the concept of energy changes in bond formation and bond breaking in chemistry.
When chemical bonds are formed between atoms, energy is actually released, not absorbed. This is an exothermic process because the energy of the resulting bonds is lower than the energy of the original atoms or molecules.
On the other hand, when chemical bonds are broken, energy is required or absorbed. Breaking bonds is an endothermic process because energy needs to be supplied to break the existing bonds, resulting in the formation of higher energy species like atoms or molecules.
To summarize:
1. Bond formation: When bonds form, energy is released. This is an exothermic process because the new bonds are more stable, and the energy of the system decreases.
2. Bond breaking: Breaking bonds requires energy. This is an endothermic process because energy needs to be supplied to break the existing bonds, resulting in the formation of higher energy species.
So, it seems there was a mix-up in your notes. When bonds form, energy is released (exothermic), and when bonds break, energy is required or absorbed (endothermic). Breaking a bond requires energy, which results in energy absorption.
It's important to note that energy changes in chemical reactions depend on the specific substances involved and the reaction conditions. If you still have conflicting information in your notes or textbook, I recommend consulting your teacher or professor for further clarification.