When atoms combine to form chemical bonds, interactions occur primarily between their _____.

• A. valence electrons
• B. protons
• C. atomic nuclei
• D. neutrons

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that chemical bonds form due to interactions between parts of atoms that can be shared or transferred to achieve stability.
2. Recall that protons and neutrons are located in the atomic nucleus and do not participate directly in bonding because the nucleus is stable and does not interact chemically.
3. Recognize that electrons are located in electron shells around the nucleus, and among these, the outermost electrons are called valence electrons.
4. Know that valence electrons are responsible for chemical bonding because they can be shared, gained, or lost to form bonds between atoms.
5. Therefore, the interactions that occur primarily when atoms form chemical bonds involve their valence electrons.