Question

which type of bond is present in most diatomic molecules, such as h₂ and cl₂?
a) ionic bond
b) metallic bond
c) covalent bond
d) hydrogen bond

Explanation:

• Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons between atoms (usually a metal and a non - metal). \(H_2\) and \(Cl_2\) are non - metal - non - metal combinations, so option A is incorrect.
• Metallic bonds occur in metals, and \(H_2\) and \(Cl_2\) are not metals, so option B is incorrect.
• Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms. In \(H_2\), two hydrogen atoms share electrons (\(H:H\) or \(H - H\)), and in \(Cl_2\), two chlorine atoms share electrons (\(Cl:Cl\) or \(Cl - Cl\)).
• Hydrogen bonds are a type of intermolecular force, not a chemical bond within a molecule. So option D is incorrect.

Answer:

C. Covalent bond