Which of the following is a force that holds atoms together in a chemical bond?

• A. Electrostatic attraction between positive and negative charges
• B. Magnetic interaction between electron spins
• C. Thermal energy of the atoms
• D. Gravitational force between atomic nuclei

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a chemical bond is formed due to interactions that hold atoms together to form molecules or compounds.
2. Recall that atoms consist of positively charged nuclei and negatively charged electrons, and the forces that hold atoms together involve attractions between these charges.
3. Recognize that the primary force responsible for chemical bonding is the electrostatic attraction between positively charged nuclei and negatively charged electrons of different atoms.
4. Eliminate other options: magnetic interactions between electron spins are related to magnetic properties but do not primarily hold atoms together; thermal energy tends to cause atoms to move apart rather than hold them together; gravitational forces between atomic nuclei are extremely weak compared to electrostatic forces at the atomic scale.
5. Conclude that the correct force holding atoms together in a chemical bond is the electrostatic attraction between positive and negative charges.