Question map
The formation of a chemical bond is associated with which of the followings?
Explanation
The formation of a chemical bond is fundamentally an energy-releasing process that leads to a more stable arrangement of atoms. According to the principles of chemical thermodynamics, atoms bond to achieve a lower energy state, typically by attaining a noble gas configuration [c4]. As atoms approach each other, attractive forces between the nuclei and electrons increase, which results in a decrease in the system's chemical potential energy [t2][t3]. This reduction in potential energy is released into the surroundings as heat or light [t8]. A potential energy well diagram illustrates that the most stable bond occurs at the point of minimum potential energy; any further decrease in distance would cause repulsive forces to dominate, raising the energy again [t2][t5]. Therefore, the net result of bond formation is a decrease in potential energy compared to the separate atoms [t1][t3].
Sources
- [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > 4.1 BONDING IN CARBON – THE COVALENT BOND > p. 59