Multiple Choice
How are polar covalent bonds different from nonpolar covalent bonds?
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Chemical Bonds
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What happens to the stability of atoms when they form covalent bonds?
A
The stability of atoms decreases as they lose electrons to form bonds.
B
The stability of atoms increases as they achieve a full valence shell.
C
The stability of atoms decreases due to increased electron repulsion.
D
The stability of atoms remains unchanged as covalent bonds do not affect electron configuration.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that atoms form covalent bonds by sharing electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration.
Recall that atoms are most stable when they have a full valence shell, often following the octet rule, which states that atoms tend to have eight electrons in their valence shell.
Recognize that by sharing electrons in covalent bonds, atoms can effectively fill their valence shells, leading to increased stability.
Consider that increased stability in covalent bonding is due to the lower energy state achieved when atoms have a full valence shell.
Conclude that the formation of covalent bonds generally increases the stability of atoms as they achieve a full valence shell, contrary to the idea that stability decreases or remains unchanged.
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