Question

Which statement best explains why nitrogen gas has a higher bond energy than bromine or iodine gas?
The nitrogen atoms form triple bonds. The nitrogen atoms form triple bonds. - no response given The nitrogen atoms have looser bonds between them.

Answer 1

The correct statement is that nitrogen gas has a higher bond energy than bromine or iodine gas because the nitrogen atoms form triple bonds. In nitrogen (N₂), the two nitrogen atoms are connected by three shared pairs of electrons, resulting in a very strong bond. In contrast, bromine (Br₂) and iodine (I₂) form single bonds, which are weaker than triple bonds. Therefore, the triple bond in nitrogen contributes to its higher bond energy compared to the single bonds in bromine and iodine.