Question

storyline 1 exam
which of the following statements about covalent bonds are true? select all that apply
covalent bonds are comprised of metal atoms that share at least some of their valence electrons
covalent bonds hold the atoms together in discrete molecules
covalent bonds hold ionic compounds together
covalent bonds form when atoms of nonmetals are close enough to each other for their orbitals to overlap
covalent bonds can be single, double, or triple bonds

Explanation:

• Covalent bonds involve non - metal atoms (not metal atoms) sharing valence electrons. So the first statement is false.
• Covalent bonds hold atoms together in discrete molecules. For example, in \(H_2O\) (water), covalent bonds hold \(H\) and \(O\) atoms together in the \(H_2O\) molecule.
• Ionic bonds hold ionic compounds together, not covalent bonds. So the third statement is false.
• Covalent bonds form when non - metal atoms are close enough for their orbitals to overlap. This is a fundamental concept in covalent bond formation.
• Covalent bonds can be single (e.g., \(H - H\) in \(H_2\)), double (e.g., \(O = O\) in \(O_2\)) or triple (e.g., \(N\equiv N\) in \(N_2\)).

Answer:

• Covalent bonds hold the atoms together in discrete molecules.
• Covalent bonds form when atoms of nonmetals are close enough to each other for their orbitals to overlap.
• Covalent bonds can be single, double, or triple bonds.