Asked by hj

How do the nuclei of covalently bonded atoms help keep the bond together?

Neutral particles in the nucleus provide enough mass that the force of gravity holds the atoms together.
Neutral particles in the nucleus can become positive or negative in order to balance the charges.
Positive particles in the nucleus change into negative particles that enter electron shells.
Positive particles in the nucleus are attracted to shared electrons, so the atoms stay close together.

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
Positive particles in the nucleus are attracted to the shared electrons, so the atoms stay close together.

Explanation: in a covalent bond the two atoms share a pair (or more) of electrons. Those negatively charged electrons are attracted to both positively charged nuclei, creating increased electron density between the nuclei and lowering the system's energy. That electron-nucleus attraction holds the atoms together. (Gravity and neutrons are irrelevant here, and protons do not turn into electrons.)