Question

Which of the following has the highest bond energy?

• A. O - O
• B. S - S
• C. Se - Se
• D. Te - Te

Hint:

In general, as atomic size increases (from oxygen to tellurium), bond energy decreases due to longer bond lengths.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding bond energies.
Bond energy refers to the energy required to break a bond between two atoms. As the atomic size increases, the bond energy typically decreases because the bonding atoms are farther apart. Step 2: Analysis of options.
(A) O - O: The oxygen-oxygen bond in O₂ is relatively weak, but it has the highest bond energy among the options listed.
(B) S - S: The sulfur-sulfur bond in \( \text{S}_2 \) is weaker than the oxygen-oxygen bond.
(C) Se - Se: Selenium-selenium bonds are weaker than sulfur-sulfur bonds.
(D) Te - Te: The tellurium-tellurium bond is the weakest of all the listed bonds.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (A) because the oxygen-oxygen bond has the highest bond energy among these elements.