Chemistry Regents Practice Test

In a covalent bond, how is the bond formed?

1. By transferring electrons

2. By sharing electrons

3. By losing electrons

4. By gaining neutrons

The correct answer is: By sharing electrons

A covalent bond is formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms. This type of bond typically occurs between nonmetal atoms, which have similar electronegativities. By sharing electrons, each atom can achieve a more stable electron configuration, often resembling the nearest noble gas configuration. This sharing allows each atom to gain access to the necessary electrons to fill its outermost shell, which is crucial for chemical stability. In contrast, transferring electrons, losing electrons, or gaining neutrons do not accurately describe the formation of covalent bonds. Transferring electrons indicates an ionic bond, where one atom relinquishes electrons to another. Losing electrons can lead to a positively charged ion, while gaining neutrons does not pertain to bonding but to isotopic variations of elements. Sharing electrons is the defining characteristic of covalent bonding, emphasizing how atoms work together to achieve stability.