Consider the series \(\mathrm{Cl}_{2}, \mathrm{Br}_{2}, \mathrm{I}_{2}\). a) What is the bond order for each \(\mathrm{X}-\mathrm{X}\) bond in this series? b) What trend is observed in bond energy in this series? c) Considering the relative size of \(\mathrm{Cl}, \mathrm{Br}\), and \(\mathrm{I}\), what trend would you predict in X-X bond length in this series? Explain your reasoning.

Short Answer

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a) The bond order for each X-X bond in this series is 1. b) The bond energy decreases from Cl-Cl to Br-Br to I-I. c) The trend in X-X bond length is predicted to increase from Cl-Cl to Br-Br to I-I.

Step by step solution

01

Determine the Bond Order

The bond order for Cl-Cl, Br-Br, and I-I can be determined using molecular orbital theory. Since all of these molecules are homonuclear diatomic molecules, they only have sigma bonds and no pi bonds. So, the bond order is 1 for each bond.
02

Determine the Bond Energy Trend

Bond energy tends to decrease as the atoms involved in the bond become larger. This is because larger atoms have electrons that are further away from the nucleus and therefore less tightly held. Therefore, the bond energy decreases from Cl-Cl to Br-Br to I-I.
03

Predict the Bond Length Trend

Larger atoms result in longer bonds because the distance between nuclei in diatomic molecules increases with the atomic radius. Thus, the trend in X-X bond length is predicted to increase from Cl-Cl to Br-Br to I-I.

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