Which statement describes how a covalent molecule would be formed?

Question

Responses
A an atom of an element with atomic number 12 reacts with one oxygen atoman atom of an element with atomic number 12 reacts with one oxygen atom
B an atom of an element with atomic number 8 reacts with two hydrogen atomsan atom of an element with atomic number 8 reacts with two hydrogen atoms
C an atom of an element with atomic number 20 reacts with two fluorine atomsan atom of an element with atomic number 20 reacts with two fluorine atoms
D two atoms of an element with atomic number 11 react with one sulfur atomtwo atoms of an element with atomic number 11 react with one sulfur atom

Answer 1

The statement that accurately describes how a covalent molecule would be formed is:

B: an atom of an element with atomic number 8 reacts with two hydrogen atoms.

This is because the atom with atomic number 8 is oxygen, which typically forms covalent bonds with hydrogen atoms to create water (H₂O), involving sharing of electrons between the atoms.

Other options describe elements that typically form ionic bonds instead of covalent bonds:

• A (atomic number 12 is magnesium, which would typically form ionic bonds with oxygen).
• C (atomic number 20 is calcium, which would also form ionic bonds with fluorine).
• D (atomic number 11 is sodium, which forms ionic bonds with sulfur).

Thus, option B is the correct answer regarding the formation of a covalent molecule.