Question

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which factors affect the strength of attraction of each atom to the electrons in a covalent bond?
charge of nucleus
size of atom
number of neutrons in atom
number of electrons in atom
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Explanation:

• The charge of the nucleus affects the attraction as a more positively charged nucleus pulls electrons more strongly.
• The size of the atom matters because as the atom gets larger, the distance between the nucleus and the valence electrons increases, reducing the attraction (due to the inverse - square law of electrostatic forces).
• The number of neutrons in an atom does not directly affect the attraction of the atom to electrons in a covalent bond since neutrons are neutral and do not participate in electrostatic interactions.
• The number of electrons in an atom (especially the electron - shell configuration) can affect the shielding effect. Inner - shell electrons can shield the valence electrons from the full charge of the nucleus, thus affecting the net attraction of the atom for electrons in a covalent bond.

Answer:

charge of nucleus, size of atom, number of electrons in atom