Lewis Structures Method 2

[smurphy1D]

In order to use the bond enthalpies method, is it necessary to write out the lewis structures of each compound?

[sbeall_1C]

It is not necessary, but it will help you to visualize how many bonds are broken on the reactant side and how many are formed on the product side.

[MeeraBhagat]

As long as you can figure out which bonds are broken and formed, then you do not need to draw out the Lewis structures and you can just refer to the table of bond enthalpy values.

[Helen Struble 2F]

It never hurts to draw a Lewis structure to make sure you know exactly which bonds are being broken and which are being formed. For simple molecules, however, you can usually visualize the structure without having to draw the structure on paper.

[Kaitlyn Ang 1J]

It also provides context on why we add and subtract bond enthalpies to calculate the overall change in enthalpy. When we draw Lewis structure, we show that we know that it's because of the bonds breaking and forming that we get changes in enthalpy.

[Andres Merlos 2L]

It is useful to draw out the lewis structures when attempting to visualize the forming and breaking of bonds in the products or reactants. It's not necessary, but it does give you some peace of mind to justify reasoning.

[Kavya Immadisetty 2B]

Although it's not absolutely necessary, it can be helpful.