Look at the bond energies O-H, N-H, and P-H in the table below. O-H is the hardest bond to break because it has the
A) greatest difference in relative affinities of the two atoms for electrons.
B) smallest difference in relative affinities of the two atoms for electrons.
C) smallest difference in atomic size.
D) largest difference in atomic size.

Question

Look at the bond energies O-H, N-H, and P-H in the table below. O-H is the hardest bond to break because it has the 
A) greatest difference in relative affinities of the two atoms for electrons. 
B) smallest difference in relative affinities of the two atoms for electrons. 
C) smallest difference in atomic size. 
D) largest difference in atomic size.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The bond energy is related to the strength of the bond, which is in turn related to the electronegativity difference between the two atoms in the bond. The greater the electronegativity difference, the stronger the bond. Therefore, O-H, which has the greatest electronegativity difference (O is more electronegative than H) is the hardest bond to break.

Look at the Bond Energies O-H, N-H, and P-H in the Table