Question

What is the minimum number of covalent bonds required for an atom to be neutral?

1) 0
2) 1
3) 2
4) 3

Answer 1

1) 0 .The minimum number of covalent bonds required for an atom to be neutral is 0, as atoms such as noble gases are already neutral with no covalent bonds.

Step-by-step explanation:

Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms to achieve a stable electron configuration, often described as an octet in the valence shell for many non-metals. The minimum number of covalent bonds required for an atom to be neutral is 0. An atom is neutral when it has no formal charge,

which happens when the atom has the number of bonds that is typical for that species. For instance, hydrogen only needs one bond to achieve a full valence shell, while carbon, in group 14, requires four bonds to be neutral.

An atom of nitrogen (in group 15) forms three covalent bonds with hydrogen because it has five valence electrons and needs three more to complete its octet. Chlorine typically forms one covalent bond, as it has seven valence electrons and requires only one more to achieve a stable octet.

Elements such as hydrogen need one bond, whereas carbon needs four to achieve a full outer shell or octet.