3.8 What determines whether a bond or interaction is stable? Explain how temperature influences the stability of bonds and interactions.

What determines whether a bond or interaction is stable?

Bond strength (bonding energy) and the nature of the interaction (covalent, ionic, metallic, van der Waals) determine bond stability.

How does bonding energy relate to bond stability?

The stronger the bond (higher bonding energy), the more stable the bond is, requiring more energy to break.

How do intermolecular forces affect bond stability?

Stronger interactions (e.g., covalent bonds) result in more stable bonds, while weaker interactions (e.g., van der Waals forces) are less stable.

Which type of bond is generally more stable: covalent or van der Waals?

Covalent bonds are generally more stable because they involve strong sharing of electrons.

How does temperature affect the stability of bonds?

Higher temperature provides more kinetic energy, which can weaken or break bonds. Lower temperature reduces kinetic energy, making bonds stronger and more stable.

What happens to bonds at higher temperatures?

At higher temperatures, molecules have more energy, making it easier for them to break bonds or escape from interactions.

What happens to bonds at lower temperatures?

At lower temperatures, molecules move less, making bonds stronger and more stable.

Why do lower temperatures lead to stronger bonds?

Lower temperatures reduce the kinetic energy of atoms or molecules, making it harder for them to overcome attractive forces and break bonds.