In the context of chemical bonds, what is the primary role of electrons during chemical reactions?

• A. Electrons are transferred or shared between atoms to form chemical bonds.
• B. Electrons increase the atomic mass of the elements involved.
• C. Electrons determine the color of the compounds formed.
• D. Electrons are responsible for breaking atomic nuclei apart.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that chemical bonds form due to interactions involving electrons between atoms.
2. Recognize that electrons in the outermost shell (valence electrons) are the ones involved in chemical reactions.
3. Know that during chemical reactions, electrons can either be transferred from one atom to another, forming ionic bonds, or shared between atoms, forming covalent bonds.
4. Realize that the transfer or sharing of electrons leads to the formation of stable chemical bonds, which hold atoms together in molecules or compounds.
5. Note that electrons do not affect atomic mass significantly, do not determine color directly, and are not involved in breaking atomic nuclei (which involves nuclear reactions, not chemical reactions).