Question

Which of the following are true regarding molecular compounds and covalent bonds?

A)Elements will share electrons to form covalent bonds and obtain stable electronic configurations.

B)Elements will transfer electrons to form covalent bonds and become ions.

C)Some elements will share multiple pairs of (bonding) electrons to form double and triple bonds.

D)Molecular compounds are made of metals and non-metals.

E)Molecular compounds are made of two or more non-metals.

F)Molecular compounds can form polyatomic ions by gainning or loosing electrons to become more stable. (examples: CO3-2, NO3- or NH4+)

Answer 1

A covalent bond is a bond formed by sharing of electrons between 2 atoms.(A correct)(B incorrect) This allows even non metals to form bond with non metals. Eg. Cl2, PBr3 etc. They are also called molecular compounds or covalent compounds.( E correct)

In covalent bonding overlap of orbitals of similar symmetry takes place. Hence if bonding lowers energy then between 2 atoms multiple bonds are formed (C correct) to release more energy.

D is incorrect as molecular compounds are made up of 2 or more nonmetals.

F is correct, polyatomic ions are frequently formed provided there are free orbitals in the central metal atom.