Problem 12 - Chemistry The Central Science

Question

True or false: The weaker a single bond in a molecule, the greater the chance it will be the site of a reaction (compared to stronger single bonds in the molecule).

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

True: The weaker a single bond in a molecule, the greater the chance it will be the site of a reaction (compared to stronger single bonds in the molecule). This is because reactions occur at sites where the energy required to break the bonds is lowest, and weaker bonds require less energy to break compared to stronger bonds.

Step 1: Understanding bond strength and reactivity

A bond is the force that holds two atoms together in a molecule. The strength of a bond depends on various factors, like the type of atoms involved, the distance between them, and the presence of other atoms nearby. In general, weaker bonds are more easily broken than stronger bonds, resulting in chemical reactions between two or more particles.

Step 2: Comparing bond strengths in the same molecule

In a molecule, there may be multiple single bonds between different atoms with varying bond strengths. When considering which bond in a molecule will be the site of a reaction, it is important to compare the bond strengths to determine which is weaker and thus potentially more reactive.

Step 3: The relationship between bond strength and reaction site

According to the principle of "least effort," reactions will occur at the sites where the energy required to break the bonds is lowest. Therefore, in a molecule with multiple single bonds, the bond with the lowest bond strength (i.e., the weakest bond) is more likely to be the site of the reaction, as it requires less energy to break compared to stronger bonds.

Step 4: Establishing the truth of the statement

Based on our understanding of bond strength, reactivity, and the principle of "least effort," the statement is TRUE: The weaker a single bond in a molecule, the greater the chance it will be the site of a reaction (compared to stronger single bonds in the molecule).