Question

Can you give an example to explain that bonds are formed by the combination of valence electrons and not protons or orbitals?

Answer 1

Certainly! Let's consider the formation of a covalent bond between two hydrogen atoms, each having one proton and one electron. In this example, we'll focus on the interaction of valence electrons.

When two hydrogen atoms approach each other, their electrons and protons interact. However, the key factor in bond formation is the interaction between the valence electrons of each atom. Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell or energy level of an atom.

In the case of hydrogen, the electron configuration is 1s1, which means it has one electron in its 1s orbital. When two hydrogen atoms come close together, the valence electrons from each atom can interact with each other.

Let's consider the process step by step:

1. Initially, the two hydrogen atoms are isolated, with their valence electrons in separate 1s orbitals.

2. As the atoms approach each other, their 1s orbitals overlap. This overlap allows the valence electrons to be shared between the two atoms' orbitals.

3. The shared electrons now occupy a region of space between the two nuclei. This shared electron pair is called a bonding pair. It is important to note that the electron pair is not localized around any specific nucleus but is shared between both atoms.

4. As a result, both hydrogen atoms achieve a more stable electron configuration, similar to helium (1s2). Each hydrogen atom can count the shared electron pair as part of its valence electrons, satisfying the octet rule (a full outer shell of electrons).

5. This shared electron pair creates an electrostatic attraction between the two positively charged protons and the negatively charged electrons. This attraction holds the two hydrogen atoms together, forming a covalent bond.

In this example, it is evident that the bond is formed by the interaction and sharing of valence electrons. The protons and their positive charge play a role in the overall charge of the atom but are not directly involved in the bond formation itself.

Overall, the combination of valence electrons through sharing or transfer is the primary mechanism for bond formation, allowing atoms to achieve more stable electron configurations and form molecules.