Question

In a covalent bond, what holds atoms together?

Answer 1

Answer: Option (a) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

A covalent bond is defined as the bond which is formed due to sharing of electrons.

For example, a carbon atom has 4 valence electrons and a hydrogen atom has 1 valence electron.

So, when a carbon atom chemically combines with a hydrogen atom then sharing of electrons take place between the two and it results in the formation of a methane molecule.

        $C + 2H_{2} \rightarrow CH_{4}$

Whereas a bond in which transfer of electrons take place from one atom to another is known as an ionic bond.

For example, $2Na + Cl_{2} \rightarrow 2NaCl$

Thus, we can conclude that in a covalent bond electrons that are shared between atoms holds atoms together.

Answer 2

In covalent bonding, both atoms are trying to attract electrons--the same electrons. Thus, the electrons are shared tightly between the atoms.

The force of attraction that each atom exerts on the shared electrons is what holds the two atoms together.