Question

What type of bond is formed by the sharing of electrons between two atoms to achieve a completely filled outermost shell?

• A. Ionic bond
• B. Metallic bond
• C. Covalent bond
• D. Hydrogen bond

Hint:

Remember the differences in electron behavior:
- Transfer of electrons \(\to\) Ionic Bond (between Metal and Non-metal).
- Sharing of electrons \(\to\) Covalent Bond (between Non-metals).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the name of the chemical bond formed when two atoms share valence electrons with each other to complete their octet (outermost shell) and attain a stable electronic configuration.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Analyze the fundamental types of chemical bonds based on how valence electrons are exchanged or shared:
- Electron transfer \(\to\) Ionic bonding.
- Electron sharing \(\to\) Covalent bonding.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• Atoms participate in bond formation to achieve a stable, low-energy noble gas configuration, which usually requires having eight electrons in their outermost valence shell (the octet rule).

• When non-metallic atoms of similar electronegativities interact, they cannot easily transfer electrons.

• Instead, they share one or more pairs of valence electrons.

• A chemical bond formed by the mutual sharing of electrons between two participating atoms is defined as a covalent bond.
- For example, in a hydrogen molecule (\(H_2\)), each hydrogen atom shares its single valence electron, forming a single covalent bond:
\[ H\cdot + \cdot H \to H:H \text{ (or } H-H\text{)} \] - Similarly, in an oxygen molecule (\(O_2\)), two pairs of electrons are shared to form a double covalent bond (\(O=O\)).

• This shared pair of electrons is attracted by the positive nuclei of both atoms, holding them together in a stable molecular structure.


Step 4: Final Answer:
The bond formed by the sharing of electrons is a covalent bond.