Which statement is NOT true about covalent bonds?

• A. Covalent bonds result in the formation of ions.
• B. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.
• C. Covalent bonds typically form between nonmetal atoms.
• D. The strength of a covalent bond depends on the number of shared electron pairs.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand what a covalent bond is. A covalent bond is formed when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons to achieve a full outer shell, typically between nonmetal atoms.
2. Step 2: Review the statements given and identify the characteristics of covalent bonds: (a) They involve sharing of electron pairs, (b) They usually form between nonmetal atoms, (c) The bond strength depends on the number of shared electron pairs (single, double, triple bonds).
3. Step 3: Analyze the statement 'Covalent bonds result in the formation of ions.' Covalent bonding involves sharing electrons rather than transferring them, so it does not produce ions but neutral molecules.
4. Step 4: Conclude that the statement about covalent bonds resulting in ions is NOT true because ion formation is characteristic of ionic bonds, where electrons are transferred, not shared.
5. Step 5: Summarize that the correct understanding of covalent bonds excludes ion formation, confirming that the other statements about sharing electrons, forming between nonmetals, and bond strength depending on shared pairs are true.