CHEMISTRY · Single correct · AP · Chemistry · Compound Structure and Properties · Compound Structure and Properties
Problem
Two unlabeled potential-energy curves, X and Y, are described as follows.
• Curve X has its minimum at 0.74 Å with a value of –946 kJ·mol⁻¹.
• Curve Y has its minimum at 1.09 Å with a value of –436 kJ·mol⁻¹.
Which statement correctly assigns the curves to the O=O double bond and the O–O single bond in molecular oxygen species?
(a) Curve X represents the O–O single bond, and Curve Y represents the O=O double bond.
(b) Both curves could represent either bond because bond order affects energy but not equilibrium distance.
(c) Curve X represents the O=O double bond, and Curve Y represents the O–O single bond.
(d) Curve X represents the O–O single bond because single bonds are stronger (deeper well) than double bonds; Curve Y represents the O=O double bond.