Question

An atom of carbon (C) forms covalent bonds with two atoms of oxygen (O) to form carbon dioxide. How are the valence electrons of these atoms rearranged to form the bonds?

Electrons are transferred from the carbon atom to the oxygen atoms.
Electrons are transferred from the oxygen atoms to the carbon atoms.
Many valence electrons are shared between the atoms.
A few valence electrons are shared between the atoms.

Answer 1

Many valence electrons are shared between the atoms.

Explanation: In CO2, carbon forms two double covalent bonds (O=C=O). Each C–O double bond consists of two shared electron pairs, so electrons are shared (not transferred) to give each atom an octet.