Question

In covalency:
A. Electrons are transferred
B. Electrons are equally shared
C. The electron of one atom are shared between two atoms
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Covalency is the term related with the sharing of electrons. In covalency the electrons are shared between the atoms in order to attain stability.

Complete step by step answer:
We know that each atom needs 8 electrons in its outermost shell to be in inert or stable position. This completion of octet can take place in three ways; (a) losing electrons, (b) gaining electrons or (c) sharing electrons. When the bond between two or more electrons is formed by either gaining or losing the electrons then such bond is called ionic bond and the compounds formed in such manner are called ionic compounds. In most simple words we can say that ionic bonds are such bonds which are formed when two oppositely charged ions are generated. Transfer of electrons takes place in the whole process.
But covalent bonds are the bonds which are formed as a result of sharing of electrons between the atoms. Covalent bonds are also known as molecular bonds. The covalent bonds are formed in two cases; (a) elements with very high ionisation energies and (b) elements with very low electron affinity. Elements with very high ionisation energies are incapable of transferring electrons. Also the elements with very low electron affinity are not capable of gaining electrons. So in both such cases the atoms of such elements can attain stability by sharing electrons. Thus covalency is the number of electrons an element shares with the atoms of the same or different element in order to complete its octet and attain stability. For example, a carbon atom shares $4$ electrons to attain stability, so its covalency is $4$.

So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Note:
Thus, covalency is the number of electrons an element shares with the atom of the same or different element to acquire inert gas configuration and attain stability. Covalency is the characteristics of two types of elements; either the elements with very high ionisation energies or the elements with very low electron affinity.