Question

Which of the following statements is FALSE? Group of answer choices In a covalent bond, the shared electrons interact with the nuclei of both of the bonding atoms, thus lowering their potential energy. It is not possible for two atoms to share more than two electrons. A pair of electrons not shared is referred to as a "lone pair." A covalent bond is formed through the sharing of electrons between atoms.

Answer 1

Answer:

It is not possible for two atoms to share more than two electrons.

Explanation:

In a covalent bond, electrons are shared between two nuclei. The bonding electrons are usually attracted to the nuclei of the both atoms. The interaction of the two nuclei with the bonding electrons lowers the potential energy of the system.

In most common covalent bonds, two atoms share only two electrons. However, there are electron deficient covalent bonds in which three atoms share two electrons (as in diborane) or four atoms share three electrons (as in Xenon difluoride). These compounds are commonly called electron deficient compounds and they are all well known in chemistry. Research has recently established the existence of four centre two electrons bonds in some anionic boron species which are cluster compounds.

Hence, two atoms do not always share two electrons in covalent bonds.