Use the chemical equation to answer the question.

Question

2H (g) + O (g) → 2H O(l)
Which statement describes the breaking and forming of bonds in the reaction?
(1 point)
2 2 2
The reaction requires breaking four O–H bonds, and then forming one O=O bond and two H–H bonds.
The reaction requires breaking four O–H bonds, and then forming one H–H bond and two O=O bonds.
The reaction requires breaking one H–H bond and two O=O bonds, and then forming four O–H bonds.
The reaction requires breaking one O=O bond and two H-H bonds, and then forming four O–H bonds.

Answer 1

To analyze the reaction \( 2H_2(g) + O_2(g) \rightarrow 2H_2O(l) \), we should first recognize which bonds are present in the reactants and products:

• In the reactants \( 2H_2(g) \), there are two H–H bonds (since each molecule of \( H_2 \) has one H–H bond, and we have two \( H_2 \)).
• In the reactant \( O_2(g) \), there is one O=O (double bond).
• In the products \( 2H_2O(l) \), each water molecule contains two O–H bonds, and since there are two water molecules, this results in a total of four O–H bonds.

Now, let's break down the process:

1. Breaking bonds:
   • We break 2 H-H bonds (from 2 \( H_2 \)) and 1 O=O bond (from \( O_2 \)).
2. Forming bonds:
   • We form 4 O–H bonds (2 from each of the 2 \( H_2O \) molecules).

Thus, during the reaction:

• Bonds broken: 2 H–H + 1 O=O = 3 total bonds broken.
• Bonds formed: 4 O–H bonds.

Now we can evaluate the statements:

1. The reaction requires breaking four O–H bonds, and then forming one O=O bond and two H–H bonds. (Incorrect)
2. The reaction requires breaking four O–H bonds, and then forming one H–H bond and two O=O bonds. (Incorrect)
3. The reaction requires breaking one H–H bond and two O=O bonds, and then forming four O–H bonds. (Incorrect)
4. The reaction requires breaking one O=O bond and two H–H bonds, and then forming four O–H bonds. (Correct)

The correct statement that describes the breaking and forming of bonds in the reaction is: The reaction requires breaking one O=O bond and two H–H bonds, and then forming four O–H bonds.