When does the breaking of chemical bonds release energy ...
Jun 27, 2013 · A more detailed equation would look something like this: CH 4 + 2 O 2 + a little energy → C + 4 H + 4 O → CO 2 + 2 H 2 O + lots of energy. The first line of the equation contains the original reactants: methane molecules and oxygen molecules. The first arrow represents the breaking of the bonds, which requires energy.