An important reaction in the formation of photochemical smog is the photodissociation of NO : NO₂ + hv → NO(g) + O(g) The maximum wavelength of light that can cause this reaction is 420 nm. (b) What is the maximum strength of a bond, in kJ/mol, that can be broken by absorption of a photon of 420-nm light?

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First, understand that the energy of a photon is related to its wavelength by the equation: E = \frac{hc}{\lambda}, where E is the energy, h is Planck's constant (6.626 \times 10^{-34} \text{J s}), c is the speed of light (3.00 \times 10^{8} \text{m/s}), and \lambda is the wavelength in meters.

Convert the given wavelength from nanometers to meters. Since 1 nm = 10^{-9} m, the wavelength \lambda = 420 \text{ nm} = 420 \times 10^{-9} \text{ m}.

Substitute the values of h, c, and \lambda into the equation E = \frac{hc}{\lambda} to calculate the energy of a single photon in joules.

Convert the energy from joules per photon to kilojoules per mole. Use Avogadro's number (6.022 \times 10^{23} \text{mol}^{-1}) to find the energy per mole: E_{\text{kJ/mol}} = E_{\text{J/photon}} \times \frac{1 \text{ kJ}}{1000 \text{ J}} \times 6.022 \times 10^{23} \text{mol}^{-1}.

The calculated energy in kJ/mol represents the maximum bond strength that can be broken by absorption of a photon of 420-nm light.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Photodissociation

Photodissociation is a process in which a chemical bond is broken due to the absorption of light, resulting in the formation of two or more products. In the context of the given reaction, the absorption of a photon by nitrogen dioxide (NO2) leads to the formation of nitric oxide (NO) and an oxygen atom (O). Understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing how light energy can influence chemical reactions and bond strengths.

Photon Energy and Wavelength

The energy of a photon is inversely related to its wavelength, described by the equation E = hc/λ, where E is energy, h is Planck's constant, c is the speed of light, and λ is the wavelength. For a photon with a wavelength of 420 nm, calculating its energy allows us to determine the maximum bond strength that can be overcome by this energy. This relationship is fundamental in photochemistry and helps in understanding how light interacts with matter.

Bond Strength

Bond strength refers to the amount of energy required to break a bond between two atoms in a molecule, typically measured in kJ/mol. The bond strength is directly related to the stability of the molecule; stronger bonds require more energy to break. In the context of the question, determining the maximum bond strength that can be broken by a photon of 420 nm light involves understanding how the energy of the photon compares to the energy required to break specific chemical bonds.

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