Which statement correctly describes a covalent bond?
The atoms' valence electrons combine to form a network of bonds.
Valence electrons are transferred from one atom to the other.
The atoms' valence electrons are shared between the atoms.
All of the atoms' electrons are shared between the atoms
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The atoms' valence electrons are shared between the atoms.
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The correct statement that describes a covalent bond is: "The atoms' valence electrons are shared between the atoms." Covalent bonds occur when atoms share one or more pairs of electrons, typically involving nonmetal atoms. This sharing of electrons allows each atom to attain a more stable electron configuration and form a bond.
To determine which statement correctly describes a covalent bond, let's understand what a covalent bond is.
A covalent bond is a type of chemical bond formed between two or more atoms when they share electrons. It occurs between nonmetal atoms.
Now, let's evaluate each option to identify the correct statement:
1. "The atoms' valence electrons combine to form a network of bonds." This statement is not describing a covalent bond. It seems to describe a more complex bonding situation, potentially referring to the formation of a network solid like a metal or ionic compound.
2. "Valence electrons are transferred from one atom to the other." This statement describes ionic bond formation, not covalent bond formation. In an ionic bond, valence electrons are transferred from one atom to another, leading to the formation of oppositely charged ions that attract each other.
3. "The atoms' valence electrons are shared between the atoms." This statement accurately describes a covalent bond. In a covalent bond, atoms share their valence electrons, forming a shared electron pair between the atoms. This sharing allows the atoms to achieve a more stable electron configuration.
4. "All of the atoms' electrons are shared between the atoms." This statement seems to describe metallic bonding rather than covalent bonding. In metallic bonding, valence electrons are delocalized and shared among all the atoms in a solid metal.
So, based on the explanation provided, the correct statement that describes a covalent bond is: "The atoms' valence electrons are shared between the atoms."