When an atom forms chemical bonds, how does the electron distribution model of the atom change?

• A. Protons move from one atom to another, changing the atomic number.
• B. Neutrons are rearranged to form new isotopes during bonding.
• C. Electrons are shared or transferred between atoms, resulting in altered electron clouds and energy levels.
• D. The nucleus expands to accommodate additional electrons from other atoms.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that when atoms form chemical bonds, the nucleus (containing protons and neutrons) remains essentially unchanged; protons do not move between atoms, so the atomic number stays the same.
2. Recognize that neutrons are not rearranged during bonding; isotopes are related to neutron number but bonding does not change isotopes.
3. Focus on the electrons, which are located in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus; these electrons can be shared between atoms (covalent bonding) or transferred from one atom to another (ionic bonding).
4. Realize that this sharing or transfer of electrons changes the electron distribution around the atoms, altering their electron clouds and energy levels, which stabilizes the atoms in the bonded state.
5. Conclude that the correct model of bonding involves changes in electron arrangement, not changes in the nucleus or atomic number.