Question detail
Which statement best explains why atoms of hydrogen and chlorine form a covalent bond in HCl?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Key ideas in chemistry
Question
- A. Hydrogen donates an electron to chlorine, giving chlorine a full octet
- B. Chlorine donates an electron to hydrogen, giving hydrogen a full duet
- C. Both atoms share a pair of electrons to complete their outer shells
- D. Both atoms form a metallic lattice with delocalised electrons
Answer
The correct option is Both atoms share a pair of electrons to complete their outer shells. This answer is correct because it matches the approved learning objective to explain that atoms can bond by sharing electrons in the subtopic Universal chemistry ideas.
Explanation
The correct option is Both atoms share a pair of electrons to complete their outer shells. Both atoms share a pair of electrons to complete their outer shells is correct because it directly supports the approved learning objective to explain that atoms can bond by sharing electrons. This belongs to the subtopic Universal chemistry ideas within Key ideas in chemistry, so the explanation must stay tied to that curriculum context. The other options are incorrect because they either do not answer this learning objective, use a vague statement, or move away from Universal chemistry ideas.
Common mistake
Confusing Bonding Types
Students often confuse electron sharing in covalent bonding with electron transfer in ionic bonding.
Remember that covalent bonding involves sharing electrons between atoms, while ionic bonding involves the transfer of electrons from one atom to another.
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