Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

4. Molecular Compounds

Multiple Bonds

GOB Chemistry

4. Molecular Compounds

Multiple Bonds

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0:48 minutes

Problem 2

Textbook Question

Based on bond energies, which atmospheric gas in each pair do you think is more stable? Explain.
a. O₂ or N₂
b. CO or CO₂

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the concept of bond energy. Bond energy is the amount of energy required to break one mole of a specific type of bond in a molecule in the gas phase. Higher bond energy indicates a stronger bond and greater stability of the molecule.

Step 2: Compare the bond energies of the molecules in part (a). For O₂, the bond is a double bond (O=O), while for N₂, the bond is a triple bond (N≡N). Triple bonds are stronger than double bonds, so N₂ has a higher bond energy and is more stable than O₂.

Step 3: Compare the bond energies of the molecules in part (b). For CO, the bond is a triple bond (C≡O), while for CO₂, the molecule contains two double bonds (O=C=O). Although CO₂ has two bonds, the individual double bonds are weaker than the triple bond in CO. Therefore, CO is more stable than CO₂ based on bond energy.

Step 4: Consider the molecular structure and bond strength in each case. Stability is directly related to the strength of the bonds within the molecule. Molecules with stronger bonds (higher bond energy) are less likely to break apart and are thus more stable.

Step 5: Summarize the findings. For part (a), N₂ is more stable than O₂ due to its triple bond. For part (b), CO is more stable than CO₂ due to its triple bond compared to the double bonds in CO₂.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Bond Energy

Bond energy refers to the amount of energy required to break a bond between two atoms in a molecule. It is a measure of bond strength; higher bond energies indicate stronger bonds. Understanding bond energies is crucial for comparing the stability of different molecules, as more stable molecules typically have higher bond energies, making them less likely to react.

Molecular Stability

Molecular stability is determined by the strength of the bonds within a molecule and the overall energy state of the molecule. A more stable molecule has lower energy and is less reactive, meaning it is less likely to undergo chemical changes. Stability can be influenced by factors such as bond type, molecular structure, and the presence of functional groups.

Comparative Analysis of Gases

Comparative analysis of gases involves evaluating the properties of different gases to determine their relative stability and reactivity. In the context of the question, this means assessing the bond energies of O2 versus N2 and CO versus CO2. By comparing these properties, one can infer which gas is more stable based on its molecular structure and bond strengths.

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