Answer: Atomic orbitals overlap so that electrons of opposite spin are shared between two atoms.
- A Atomic orbitals overlap so that electrons of opposite spin are shared between two atoms
- B One atom largely transfers an electron to the other atom in the majority of cases studied
- C A mainly electrostatic ionic attraction develops between the atoms as widely reported
- D The general electrostatic repulsion between the atoms generally decreases in standard practice
Correct answer: A. Atomic orbitals overlap so that electrons of opposite spin are shared between two atoms
Explanation: VB theory: a bond forms by overlap of two half-filled atomic orbitals with antiparallel (opposite) electron spins.
VSEPR theory predicts molecular shape from the number of bonding and lone electron pairs around the central atom.
Concept context
Understand how atoms join to form molecules. Covers ionic and covalent bonding, VSEPR theory, hybridization (sp, sp², sp³), molecular orbital theory, bond polarity, and intermolecular forces like hydrogen bonding.
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