Question

Two atoms can form a covalent bond a. by sharing protons. b. by swapping nuclei. c. by sharing electrons. d. by sticking together on the basis of opposite electrical charges.

Short answer

c. by sharing electrons.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Covalent Bonds

Covalent bonds are a type of strong chemical bond between two atoms. They involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms. The bond creates a stable balance of attractive and repulsive forces between the atoms.

Reviewing the Definitions

Let's review the options given in the question: a) Sharing protons b) Swapping nuclei c) Sharing electrons d) Sticking together on the basis of opposite electrical charges

Eliminate Incorrect Options

We know covalent bonds involve sharing electrons, not protons (a) or swapping nuclei (b). Covalent bonds also do not result from sticking together due to opposite electrical charges (d), which describes ionic bonds.

Identify the Correct Answer

Given the definition and process of forming covalent bonds, the correct choice is option (c), sharing electrons.

Key concepts

Chemical Bonding

Chemical bonding is a crucial concept in understanding how atoms interact to form molecules. There are several types of chemical bonds, but they all serve to hold atoms together.

• Ionic bonds: Formed when atoms transfer electrons, resulting in opposite charges that attract.
• Covalent bonds: Involve the sharing of electrons between atoms.
• Metallic bonds: Occur between metal atoms sharing a 'sea' of electrons.

Among these, covalent bonds are especially important in organic chemistry and the formation of complex molecules. These bonds involve a balance of attractive and repulsive forces, resulting in a stable structure when atoms share electrons. Understanding the core differences between these types of bonds can help clarify why covalent bonds are unique.

Electron Sharing

One of the defining features of covalent bonds is the sharing of electron pairs between atoms. This electron sharing allows each atom to attain a more stable electron configuration, often achieving a noble gas configuration with a full outer shell.

• Single covalent bonds: Share one pair of electrons.
• Double covalent bonds: Share two pairs of electrons.
• Triple covalent bonds: Share three pairs of electrons.

The shared electrons create a region of negative charge that attracts both nuclei, holding the atoms together. This principle is essential for understanding molecular structures and reactions. When atoms share electrons, they form molecules that make up everything from the simplest hydrogen molecule to complex DNA structures.

Atomic Interaction

Atomic interaction explains the forces that atoms exert on each other in the context of chemical bonding. Atoms interact to achieve a lower energy state, resulting in the formation of molecules.

• Attractive forces: Hold atoms together in a bond, such as the attraction between opposite charges in an ionic bond or the shared electrons in a covalent bond.
• Repulsive forces: Between like charges that prevent atoms from collapsing into each other.

These interactions determine the strength and stability of a bond. In a covalent bond, the shared electrons create a unified charge distribution, allowing atoms to stay connected in a balanced way. By understanding these atomic interactions, we can better predict and manipulate chemical reactions and material properties.