Which bond type typically links nonmetal atoms in molecular compounds?

Which bond type typically links nonmetal atoms in molecular compounds?

• A. Ionic bonds
• B. Covalent bonds
• C. Metallic bonds
• D. Van der Waals forces

Answer: (B)

Nonmetal atoms in molecular compounds are typically linked by covalent bonds, which form when atoms share electrons to fill their outer shells. This sharing stabilizes each atom without transferring electrons to create ions, so the atoms stay together as discrete molecules such as H2, O2, and CH4. Ionic bonds arise from transferring electrons between metals and nonmetals, producing ions that attract to form ionic compounds like table salt. Metallic bonds involve a delocalized electron “sea” around metal atoms, giving metals their properties. Van der Waals forces are weak attractions between molecules, not bonds that hold atoms inside a molecule. Therefore, covalent bonding is the type that most often links nonmetal atoms in molecular compounds.

Nonmetal atoms in molecular compounds are typically linked by covalent bonds, which form when atoms share electrons to fill their outer shells. This sharing stabilizes each atom without transferring electrons to create ions, so the atoms stay together as discrete molecules such as H2, O2, and CH4. Ionic bonds arise from transferring electrons between metals and nonmetals, producing ions that attract to form ionic compounds like table salt. Metallic bonds involve a delocalized electron “sea” around metal atoms, giving metals their properties. Van der Waals forces are weak attractions between molecules, not bonds that hold atoms inside a molecule. Therefore, covalent bonding is the type that most often links nonmetal atoms in molecular compounds.