What does a higher bond order signify about the bonds between two atoms?

A higher bond order indicates a greater number of bonding electrons between two atoms, which results in stronger bonds. When the bond order increases, it typically means that there are more shared electron pairs, leading to a stronger attraction between the positively charged nuclei of the atoms and the negatively charged electrons. This results in a bond that is not only stronger but also generally shorter, as the increased attractive forces draw the atoms closer together.

In molecular theory, bond order is calculated as the difference between the number of bonding electrons and the number of antibonding electrons, divided by two. For instance, a bond order of one corresponds to a single bond, two corresponds to a double bond, and three corresponds to a triple bond. As the bond order increases, the stability of the bond also increases, making it less likely to be broken by external influences.

This is why the correct answer is associated with stronger bonds, which directly reflects the concept that higher bond orders signify more stability and strength in the bond formed between two atoms.