The correct option is **C. Nonpolar Covalent Bond**. ### Explanation of the Correct Answer A **nonpolar covalent bond** is formed when two atoms share electrons equally. This equal sharing occurs between atoms that have similar electronegativities, meaning they have a similar ability to attract electrons. When the electrons are shared equally, there is no significant difference in charge distribution across the molecule, resulting in a balanced electrical charge. #### Step-by-Step Breakdown: 1. **Understanding Electronegativity**: - Electronegativity is a measure of how strongly an atom attracts electrons in a bond. Atoms with similar electronegativities will share electrons more equally. - For example, in a molecule of hydrogen (H₂), both hydrogen atoms have the same electronegativity, so they share the electrons equally. 2. **Formation of Nonpolar Covalent Bonds**: - When two identical nonmetals (like H₂, O₂, or N₂) bond together, they form a nonpolar covalent bond because the electrons are shared equally. - The result is a molecule that does not have a positive or negative end, hence it is nonpolar. 3. **Characteristics of Nonpolar Covalent Bonds**: - No partial charges: Since the electrons are shared equally, there are no regions of positive or negative charge. - Solubility: Nonpolar molecules tend to dissolve well in nonpolar solvents (like oil) but do not dissolve well in polar solvents (like water). ### Why the Other Options Are Incorrect **A. Ionic Bond**: - An ionic bond is formed when one atom donates an electron to another atom, resulting in the formation of charged ions (cations and anions). This type of bond involves a complete transfer of electrons, leading to a strong electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions. Since there is no sharing of electrons, this option is incorrect. **B. Polar Covalent Bond**: - A polar covalent bond occurs when two atoms with different electronegativities share electrons unequally. This results in a partial positive charge on one atom and a partial negative charge on the other, creating a dipole moment. Since the question specifies equal sharing of electrons, this option is also incorrect. **D. Metallic Bond**: - Metallic bonds involve a 'sea of electrons' that are shared among a lattice of metal atoms. While this type of bonding allows for conductivity and malleability, it does not involve the equal sharing of electrons between two distinct atoms in the way described in the question. Therefore, this option is not applicable. ### Summary of Key Points - **Nonpolar Covalent Bond**: Formed by equal sharing of electrons between atoms with similar electronegativities. - **Ionic Bond**: Involves the transfer of electrons, resulting in charged ions. - **Polar Covalent Bond**: Involves unequal sharing of electrons, leading to partial charges. - **Metallic Bond**: Involves a delocalized 'sea of electrons' among metal atoms, not equal sharing between two distinct atoms. This thorough understanding of bonding types will help you identify and differentiate between them in various chemical contexts.