Covalent compounds

• A. typically consist of a metal and a nonmetal attracted to each other by electrostatic forces.
• B. typically consist of a metal and a nonmetal held together by shared electrons.
• C. form when two nonmetals share electrons upon forming a chemical bond.
• D. form when two metals share electrons upon forming a chemical bond

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key characteristics of covalent compounds: they are formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.
2. Recognize that covalent bonds typically occur between nonmetal atoms, as they have similar electronegativities and tend to share electrons to achieve a full valence shell.
3. Understand that metals and nonmetals usually form ionic bonds, not covalent bonds, due to the transfer of electrons rather than sharing.
4. Note that two metals do not typically form covalent bonds; instead, they form metallic bonds characterized by a 'sea of electrons' that are free to move around.
5. Conclude that covalent compounds form when two nonmetals share electrons, allowing each atom to attain a stable electron configuration similar to noble gases.