Question

Which of the following statements correctly describe a covalent bond? Select all that apply.

A. A covalent bond results from the attraction between the electrons of two different atoms.
B. In a stable covalent bond, nucleus-electron attractions dominate the system.
C. If the two atoms in a covalent bond approach too closely, the system will become less stable.
D. As two atoms form a covalent bond, the energy of the system increases.
E. Formation of a covalent bond results in increased electron density between the two nuclei.

Answer 1

A covalent bond is the force of attraction that holds together two atoms that share a pair of valence electrons. In a stable covalent bond, the electrons are attracted by the nuclei of both atoms. The formation of a covalent bond results in increased electron density between the two nuclei.

Step-by-step explanation:

A covalent bond is the force of attraction that holds together two atoms that share a pair of valence electrons. The shared electrons are attracted to the nuclei of both atoms. This forms a molecule consisting of two or more atoms. Covalent bonds form only between atoms of nonmetals.

In a stable covalent bond, the electrons are attracted by the nuclei of both atoms, so option B is correct. If the two atoms in a covalent bond approach too closely, the system will become less stable, so option C is also correct. However, option D is incorrect because as two atoms form a covalent bond, the energy of the system decreases due to the attractive forces between the shared electrons and the nuclei. Finally, option E is correct as the formation of a covalent bond results in increased electron density between the two nuclei.

In summary, options B, C, and E correctly describe a covalent bond.