Bond energy is the amount of energy required to break a chemical bond between two atoms in a molecule. It is a measure of the strength of the bond; stronger bonds require more energy to break. Bond energy is typically expressed in kilojoules per mole (kJ/mol) and varies depending on the types of atoms involved and their arrangement in the molecule. When a bond is formed, energy is released, making the process exothermic. Conversely, breaking a bond requires energy input, making it endothermic. Understanding bond energy is crucial in fields like chemistry and materials science, as it helps predict the stability and reactivity of different compounds, including those involving carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.