Question

When carbon dioxide is formed, one carbon atom forms double covalent bonds with two oxygen atoms. Carbon dioxide is considered A) less stable than the individual atoms because it is a gas. B) less stable than the individual atoms because it can be decomposed readily. C) more stable than individual atoms as now the outer energy levels of all atoms are filled. D) more stable than the individual atoms because together they form a more massive substance.

Answer 1

C) more stable than individual atoms, as now the outer energy levels of all atoms are filled. Both the carbon and the oxygen atoms are "happier" with this arrangement than they would be on their own. This can be shown by drawing a molecular orbital diagram. You would see that the electrons nearly fill the lower parts of the orbital, the bonding levels, but are not in the anti-bonding levels. This implies the atom is relatively stable.

Answer 2

Answer:

C.) more stable than individual atoms as now the outer energy levels of all atoms are filled.

Explanation:

Carbon dioxide is considered more stable than individual atoms as now the outer energy levels of all atoms are filled. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons, and all bonds form in order to achieve more stability. The overall molecule will be more stable than the individual atoms. No atoms will bond together to become less stable.