Which of the following statements best describes the behavior of electrons in a covalent bond?

• A. Electrons are attracted only to the nucleus of one atom.
• B. Electrons are completely transferred from one atom to another.
• C. Electrons are shared between the nuclei of both atoms involved in the bond.
• D. Electrons are not involved in covalent bonding.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a covalent bond involves the interaction between atoms where electrons play a key role in holding the atoms together.
2. Recall that in covalent bonding, electrons are not transferred completely from one atom to another; instead, they are shared between atoms.
3. Recognize that the shared electrons are attracted to the nuclei of both atoms involved, which helps to hold the atoms together in a stable arrangement.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: electrons are not attracted only to one nucleus, they are not completely transferred (which describes ionic bonding), and electrons are definitely involved in covalent bonding.
5. Conclude that the best description is that electrons are shared between the nuclei of both atoms involved in the bond.