[Campbell Biology P.85] Which of the following statements accurately describe covalent bond... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements accurately describe covalent bonds based on the provided text? Select all that apply

  • A: Covalent bonds involve the sharing of a pair of valence electrons between two atoms.
  • B: The formation of covalent bonds always results in atoms gaining a full complement of electrons in their valence shell.
  • C: Double bonds, such as in O=O, are formed by the sharing of two pairs of valence electrons.
  • D: Covalent bonds are generally considered weaker interactions compared to ionic bonds in aqueous solutions.

Explanation

Statement A is correct: "A covalent bond is the sharing of a pair of valence electrons by two atoms." Statement B is correct: "When the bonds form, they give the atom a full complement of electrons in the valence shell." Statement C is correct: "Two oxygen atoms form a molecule by sharing two pairs of valence electrons... by what is called a double bond O=O ." Statement D is incorrect: The text says "The strongest kinds of chemical bonds are covalent bonds in molecules and ionic bonds in dry ionic compounds. Ionic bonds in aqueous, or water-based, solutions are weak interactions... ", which implies covalent bonds are strong, and stronger than ionic bonds in aqueous solutions.