Which of the following statements best describes the fundamental electrostatic interaction that constitutes a covalent bond between two atoms?
- A) The mutual attraction between the positively charged nuclei of both atoms and the shared pair of negatively charged electrons.
- B) The electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions formed by the complete transfer of valence electrons.
- C) The electrostatic attraction between an orderly lattice of metal cations and a surrounding sea of delocalized electrons.
- D) The temporary attraction between instantaneous and induced dipoles arising from fluctuations in electron density.
