Which of the following is a characteristic of a covalent bond?

Question

Examoogle · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is Option B: Sharing of electrons. A covalent bond is defined by the mutual sharing of valence electrons between two atoms to achieve a stable electronic configuration, typically an octet. This bond primarily forms between non-metal atoms with similar electronegativities.

Step-by-Step Solution & Concepts:
A covalent bond is defined by the mutual sharing of valence electrons between two atoms to achieve a stable electronic configuration, typically an octet. This bond primarily forms between non-metal atoms with similar electronegativities.

Working Principle: Atoms share electrons to reach a state of lower potential energy, satisfying the octet rule. When two atoms approach, their atomic orbitals overlap, creating a region of high electron density between the nuclei that holds them together through electrostatic attraction to the shared electron pair. This process minimizes the repulsion between nuclei while maximizing the attraction to shared electrons.

Key Formulas: $N_2 + 3H_2 \rightarrow 2NH_3$ — Represents the formation of covalent bonds in Ammonia ($NH_3$); $H \cdot + \cdot H \rightarrow H:H$ — Lewis dot representation of a covalent bond in $H_2$

Key Points: Covalent bonds are directional in nature.; They usually involve non-metals with small electronegativity differences.; Covalent compounds typically have lower melting and boiling points than ionic compounds.; They exist as molecules, not as crystal lattices like ionic solids.

Advantages: Formation of diverse stable structures like chains and rings in carbon chemistry.

Disadvantages: Generally poor conductors of electricity in liquid or solid state due to lack of free ions.

Applications: Formation of organic molecules like DNA and proteins.; Structure of common gases like $O_2$, $N_2$, and $H_2O$.

Additional Info: Electronegativity difference of zero usually signifies a non-polar covalent bond.. Option A refers to Ionic bonds, Option C describes the electrostatic force in ionic bonds, and Option D is characteristic of ionic compounds due to strong lattice energy.

Answer: B is correct — Covalent bonds are formed by the sharing of valence electrons between atoms, typically non-metals, to attain stable electron configurations.

Exam Tip: In competitive exams, remember that ionic bonds involve metal-nonmetal pairs, while covalent bonds predominantly involve nonmetal-nonmetal pairs.

Examoogle · Answer

Option A: Transfer of electrons

Examoogle · Answer

Option C: Electrostatic attraction

Examoogle · Answer

Option D: High melting point

Correct Answer

Solve 10,000+ More Questions with AI Tutor

Discussion (0)

Correct Answer

Solve 10,000+ More Questions with AI Tutor

Related Questions

Discussion (0)