Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry · Syllabus 0620 · Chemical Energetics
Bond Breaking
What is Bond Breaking?
The separation of bonded atoms, which requires an input of energy because it works against the attraction holding the atoms together; bond breaking is therefore an endothermic process.
This definition is part of the Chemical Energetics chapter in Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry.
Common mistakes with Bond Breaking
- S5. “Breaking a bond releases the energy that was stored in it.” Repair The single most damaging sentence in this topic. Bonded atoms attract each other; pulling them apart works against that attraction and therefore needs an energy input. Bond breaking is endothermic. Energy is released when bonds form.