Wisconsin Esthetics State Board Practice Test

What defines a covalent bond?

1. Atoms held together by sharing electrons.

2. The complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another.

3. A bond formed from the attraction of opposite charges.

4. A temporary interaction between ions.

The correct answer is: Atoms held together by sharing electrons.

A covalent bond is defined by the sharing of electrons between atoms. This type of bond typically occurs between nonmetals, where two atoms contribute at least one electron each to form a shared pair of electrons. This electron-sharing leads to a more stable arrangement of electrons for both atoms involved, allowing them to achieve a full outer shell, which is a favorable state in terms of electrical stability. In contrast, other options describe different types of bonds or interactions. The transfer of electrons from one atom to another characterizes ionic bonds, where oppositely charged ions attract each other, leading to a different structural arrangement. The attraction described in another option refers to the forces acting between charged particles, again indicative of ionic interactions rather than covalent bonding. Lastly, temporary interactions between ions relate to van der Waals forces, which are weak compared to covalent bonds and do not involve the sharing of electrons.