Chemistry Regents Practice Test

Which of the following describes the energy changes during bond formation?

1. Energy is absorbed

2. Energy is released

3. No energy change occurs

4. Energy is transformed into matter

The correct answer is: Energy is released

During bond formation, energy is released. This occurs because atoms tend to become more stable when they bond together, leading to a decrease in potential energy. When two atoms come together to form a chemical bond, they reach a more stable arrangement, and this stability is associated with a release of energy. The energy released in this process often takes the form of heat, which is why bond formation is typically exothermic. In contrast, if energy were to be absorbed, it would imply that the atoms are moving to a less stable arrangement, which is not the case during bond formation. Additionally, the idea that no energy change occurs is inconsistent with the fundamental principles of chemistry, as energy dynamics are central to understanding chemical processes. Lastly, the transformation of energy into matter does not align with the principles of chemical bonding or conservation of energy, as matter and energy are related but not interchangeable in this context. Thus, the most accurate description of bond formation is that energy is released.