How can one atom of carbon and one atom of oxygen increase their chemical stability?

• A. By forming a hydrogen bond between the two atoms
• B. By losing electrons to become positively charged ions
• C. By forming a double covalent bond to create carbon monoxide (CO)
• D. By sharing a single electron to form an ionic bond

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that atoms increase their chemical stability by achieving a full valence electron shell, often through bonding with other atoms.
2. Recall that hydrogen bonds occur between molecules involving hydrogen and electronegative atoms, not between individual carbon and oxygen atoms, so this is not the correct way for these atoms to stabilize together.
3. Recognize that losing electrons to become positively charged ions is typical for metals, but carbon and oxygen tend to share electrons rather than form positive ions in this context.
4. Know that carbon and oxygen can share electrons to form covalent bonds; specifically, they can share two pairs of electrons to form a double covalent bond, which leads to the formation of carbon monoxide (CO), a stable molecule.
5. Understand that ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons and formation of ions, which is not the case for carbon and oxygen bonding in CO; thus, the correct way for one carbon and one oxygen atom to increase stability is by forming a double covalent bond.