When two atoms form a chemical bond, which of the following best describes what occurs?

• A. They repel each other due to increased electron-electron repulsion.
• B. Their valence electrons are shared or transferred to achieve greater stability.
• C. They lose all of their electrons and become positively charged ions.
• D. Their nuclei merge to form a single atom.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a chemical bond forms when atoms interact to achieve greater stability, often by filling their outer electron shells.
2. Recognize that atoms can either share electrons (covalent bonding) or transfer electrons (ionic bonding) between their valence shells.
3. Note that electron sharing or transfer allows atoms to reach a more stable electronic configuration, often resembling the nearest noble gas configuration.
4. Realize that atoms do not lose all their electrons nor do their nuclei merge during bonding; instead, the interaction involves valence electrons.
5. Conclude that the best description of what occurs when two atoms form a chemical bond is that their valence electrons are shared or transferred to achieve greater stability.