Step-by-step explanation:
Option C. 2 H-H and 2 O=O bonds are broken is the correct answer.
In the reaction 2H₂O → H₂ + 2O₂, two water molecules are broken down into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. Each water molecule contains two O-H bonds and one O=H bond. Therefore, in the reaction, a total of four O-H bonds and two O=H bonds are broken. However, the question specifically asks for the number of bonds broken, not the number of bonds broken of a certain type.
To determine the total number of bonds broken, we can count the number of atoms on both sides of the reaction. The reactant side has 4 hydrogen atoms and 4 oxygen atoms, while the product side has 2 hydrogen atoms and 4 oxygen atoms. This means that a total of 4 H-O bonds and 4 O-O bonds are broken in the reaction.
Since each O=O bond consists of one O-O bond, a total of 2 O-H bonds and 2 O=O bonds are broken in the reaction. Therefore, option C. 2 H-H and 2 O=O bonds are broken is the correct answer.