Question

which statement(s) is/are true about covalent bonds?
select all that apply
a covalent bonds can form between atoms of the
same element.
b covalent bonds can form between a metal
atom and a nonmetal atom.
c covalent bonds can form between atoms of
different elements.
d covalent bonds can form between two metal
atoms.
e covalent bonds can form between two
nonmetal atoms.

Explanation:

• Option a: Covalent bonds can form between atoms of the same element. For example, in \(O_2\) (oxygen gas), two oxygen atoms form a covalent bond.
• Option b: Covalent bonds do not typically form between a metal atom and a non - metal atom. Metal - non - metal combinations usually form ionic bonds (due to the transfer of electrons from metal to non - metal).
• Option c: Covalent bonds can form between atoms of different elements. For example, in \(HCl\) (hydrogen chloride), a hydrogen (non - metal) and a chlorine (non - metal) atom form a covalent bond.
• Option d: Covalent bonds do not form between two metal atoms. Metals have a tendency to lose electrons and form metallic bonds (a sea of delocalized electrons among metal cations) rather than covalent bonds.
• Option e: Covalent bonds form between two non - metal atoms. Non - metals have a relatively high electronegativity, and they share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.

Answer:

A. Covalent bonds can form between atoms of the same element.
C. Covalent bonds can form between atoms of different elements.
E. Covalent bonds can form between two nonmetal atoms.