How does the behavior of an electron change when it forms a covalent bond?

• A. The electron is completely transferred from one atom to another, resulting in ion formation.
• B. The electron is shared between two atoms, occupying the overlapping orbitals of both.
• C. The electron becomes localized on a single atom, increasing its atomic radius.
• D. The electron is lost to the surroundings, causing both atoms to become positively charged.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in a covalent bond, electrons are not transferred completely from one atom to another, but rather shared between atoms.
2. Recall that covalent bonding involves the overlap of atomic orbitals from two atoms, allowing the shared electrons to occupy the space between the nuclei.
3. Recognize that this sharing of electrons helps both atoms achieve a more stable electron configuration, often resembling that of noble gases.
4. Contrast this with ionic bonding, where electrons are transferred, resulting in charged ions; in covalent bonding, no ions are formed because electrons are shared.
5. Conclude that the behavior of the electron in a covalent bond is to be shared between two atoms, occupying the overlapping orbitals of both atoms.