Log In | Register

Item EC054002: The reaction between methane and chlorine takes in energy because the total bond energy of the reactants is greater than the total bond energy of the products. (This item uses graphs.)

One mole of methane molecules (CH4) reacts with one mole of chlorine molecules (Cl2) to form one mole of chloromethane molecules (CH3Cl) and one mole of hydrogen chloride molecules (HCl) (A mole is a very large quantity of molecules). The equation for this chemical reaction is shown below.

CH4 + Cl2 → CH3Cl + HCl

Scientists have determined the amount of energy associated with breaking and forming the bonds between the atoms that make up the molecules of CH4, Cl2, CH3Cl, and HCl. We can use these bond energies to predict whether this reaction will release energy or take in energy. The table below show the total bond energy of one mole of CH4 plus one mole of Cl2 and the total bond energy of one mole of CH3Cl plus one mole of HCl. [A kilojoule (kJ) is a unit of energy.]

Total bond energies in kilojoules (kJ)
Reactants CH4 + Cl2 624 kJ
Products CH3Cl + HCl 763 kJ

Based on this information, which model represents the energy changes that occur during this reaction?

Pre-Test

Distribution of responses
Answer Choice
Overall
Grades
Gender
Primary Language
 
n = 164
6–8
n = 0
9–12
n = 141
Male
n = 83
Female
n = 62
English
n = 129
Other
n = 9
A. 16% NAN% 16% 14% 19% 15% 11%
B. 41% NAN% 43% 41% 44% 43% 44%
C. 21% NAN% 20% 22% 18% 21% 11%
D. 21% NAN% 21% 23% 19% 22% 33%

Post-Test

Distribution of responses
Answer Choice
Overall
Grades
Gender
Primary Language
 
n = 177
6–8
n = 0
9–12
n = 164
Male
n = 89
Female
n = 72
English
n = 151
Other
n = 11
A. 9% NAN% 7% 9% 6% 7% 18%
B. 45% NAN% 46% 45% 46% 46% 55%
C. 21% NAN% 21% 17% 28% 20% 27%
D. 25% NAN% 26% 29% 21% 28% 0%