Covalent bonds Transitional Reasoning Practice

Questions

1. 1.

   A student models the formation of a diatomic molecule by tracking the potential energy of two approaching nonmetal atoms as their internuclear distance decreases. At a specific internuclear distance, known as the bond length, the potential energy of the system reaches an absolute minimum, representing the formation of a stable covalent bond. Which statement correctly describes the electrostatic balance achieved at this minimum potential energy and the primary consequence of forcing the atoms closer together?

   • A) Attractive forces between each positively charged nucleus and the concentrated shared electron density balance repulsive forces, whereas shorter distances cause strong nuclear-nuclear repulsion to dominate and raise the potential energy.
   • B) Complete transfer of valence electrons creates opposite electrostatic charges that maximize attraction, whereas shorter distances trigger core-electron absorption into the nucleus.
   • C) Repulsive forces between the two electron clouds drop to zero because the orbitals merge completely, whereas shorter distances eliminate all attractive forces between the atoms.
   • D) The kinetic energy of the electrons matches the potential energy of the nuclei, whereas shorter distances cause valence electrons to occupy separate unhybridized shells.

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