Chapter 8.2, Problem 19LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The relative strength of the H-H bond in ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}$ and carbon-carbon bond needs to be explained with the help of their bond dissociation energies.

Concept Introduction: Covalent bonds are formed by sharing of electrons between two atoms. Here both atoms cannot gain or lose electrons to complete their octets, but they share electron pairs. If the covalent bond between two atoms is strong, a large amount of energy is required to break the bond. Thus, the strength of the bond is directly proportional to the bond dissociation energy

Explanation of Solution

The bond dissociation energy for the H-H bond in ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}$ molecule is and that for the C-C single bond is 434 kJ/mol and 345 kJ/mol respectively. The bond dissociation energy is directly proportional to the strength of the bond.

From the bond dissociation energies, this can be concluded that the hydrogen-hydrogen single bond in ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}$ is stronger than the C-C single bond.