Which term describes atoms sharing electrons to achieve stability?

Which term describes atoms sharing electrons to achieve stability?

• A. Bonding
• B. Ionization
• C. Dissociation
• D. Combustion

Answer: (A)

Sharing electrons to reach a stable electron arrangement is called bonding, specifically covalent bonding when electrons are shared between atoms. This sharing helps each atom fill its valence shell, often reaching an octet (or a duet for hydrogen), which lowers the system’s energy and holds the atoms together in a molecule. For example, two hydrogen atoms share their electrons to form H2, achieving stability for both atoms. The other terms describe different processes: ionization is the removal of electrons, dissociation is breaking bonds to separate molecules, and combustion is a rapid oxidation reaction that releases energy.

Sharing electrons to reach a stable electron arrangement is called bonding, specifically covalent bonding when electrons are shared between atoms. This sharing helps each atom fill its valence shell, often reaching an octet (or a duet for hydrogen), which lowers the system’s energy and holds the atoms together in a molecule. For example, two hydrogen atoms share their electrons to form H2, achieving stability for both atoms. The other terms describe different processes: ionization is the removal of electrons, dissociation is breaking bonds to separate molecules, and combustion is a rapid oxidation reaction that releases energy.