The reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to form water is highly exothermic. Which statement is true of the energies of the bonds that break and form during the reaction?

(a) The energy needed to break the required bonds is greater than the energy released when the new bonds form.

(b) The energy needed to break the required bonds is less than the energy released when the new bonds form.

(c) The energy needed to break the required bonds is about the same as the energy released when the new bonds form.