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 difference in electronegativity between the two atoms. The greater the difference, the stronger the bond. In the case of O-H, oxygen has a higher electronegativity than hydrogen, resulting in a larger difference in relative affinities for electrons and a stronger bond.

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