What is true about the sharing of electrons in a single covalent bond?

What is true about the sharing of electrons in a single covalent bond?

• A. One pair of electrons is shared
• B. Two pairs of electrons are shared
• C. Three pairs of electrons are shared
• D. No electrons are shared

Answer: (A)

In a single covalent bond, one pair of electrons is shared between two atoms. This sharing allows each atom to achieve a more stable electronic configuration, often resembling that of the nearest noble gas. Each atom contributes one electron to form this pair, effectively allowing them to complete their outer electron shells through this mutual sharing. This type of bonding is fundamental to the formation of molecules, as it helps to hold the atoms together by balancing the attractive forces between the positively charged nuclei and the negatively charged shared electrons. Thus, the assertion that one pair of electrons is shared correctly captures the essence of what occurs in a single covalent bond.

In a single covalent bond, one pair of electrons is shared between two atoms. This sharing allows each atom to achieve a more stable electronic configuration, often resembling that of the nearest noble gas. Each atom contributes one electron to form this pair, effectively allowing them to complete their outer electron shells through this mutual sharing. This type of bonding is fundamental to the formation of molecules, as it helps to hold the atoms together by balancing the attractive forces between the positively charged nuclei and the negatively charged shared electrons. Thus, the assertion that one pair of electrons is shared correctly captures the essence of what occurs in a single covalent bond.