To determine which statement best describes the types of bonds shown in the diagram, let's analyze what is typically involved when hydrogen bonds with chlorine.
-
Ionic Bond: An ionic bond typically occurs when one atom donates an electron to another, resulting in the formation of charged ions (cations and anions). In the case of hydrogen and chlorine, when they form hydrochloric acid (HCl), hydrogen can lose an electron and chlorine can gain one, resulting in an ionic bond. However, the resulting molecule (HCl) is neutral overall.
-
Covalent Bond: A covalent bond involves the sharing of electrons between atoms. In the case of HCl, hydrogen has one electron and chlorine has seven electrons in its outer shell. When they bond, hydrogen shares its one electron with chlorine, allowing both atoms to achieve a more stable electron configuration.
Now, let's evaluate the given statements:
-
An ionic bond; a hydrogen ion is bonding with a chlorine atom - This is not accurate because HCl is a covalent compound, not an ionic bond.
-
A covalent bond; the hydrogen atom's single electron is being shared with the chlorine atom - This statement accurately describes the bonding in HCl, where sharing occurs.
-
An ionic bond; the hydrogen chloride molecule has an electrical charge - While HCl can dissociate into ions in solution (H⁺ and Cl⁻), as a molecule, it is neutral, so this statement is misleading.
-
A covalent bond; the hydrogen atom's two electrons are being shared with the chlorine atom - This statement isn't accurate because hydrogen only has one electron that it shares with chlorine.
Based on this analysis, the best description of the bonds shown in the diagram is:
A covalent bond; the hydrogen atom's single electron is being shared with the chlorine atom.