When atoms bond to form a molecule, which of the following typically occurs?

• A. They lose all of their electrons and become positively charged ions.
• B. They always form ionic bonds regardless of the elements involved.
• C. Their valence electrons are shared or transferred to achieve a more stable electron configuration.
• D. Their nuclei merge to form a single, larger atom.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that when atoms bond to form molecules, the primary goal is to achieve a more stable electron configuration, often resembling the nearest noble gas configuration.
2. Recognize that atoms do this by either sharing or transferring their valence electrons, which are the outermost electrons involved in bonding.
3. Note that sharing electrons leads to covalent bonds, while transferring electrons results in ionic bonds; both processes help atoms reach stability.
4. Realize that atoms do not lose all their electrons completely to become positively charged ions in typical molecular bonding; this is only true in specific ionic bond cases.
5. Remember that atomic nuclei do not merge during chemical bonding; nuclear fusion is a different process unrelated to chemical bonds.