88 MULTIPLE CHOICE Question 6 In a covalent bond between two atoms with a difference in electronegativity of 0.3, how do the electrons exist? A The electrons are shared equally between the atoms because the difference in electronegativity is less than 04. B The electrons are shared unequally between the atoms because the difference in electronegativity is less than 04. C The electrons are transferred between the atoms because the dif- ference in electronegativity is less than 0.4.

## Step 1<br />In a covalent bond, atoms share electrons. The degree to which the electrons are shared equally or unequally is determined by the difference in electronegativity between the atoms involved.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />Electronegativity is a measure of the tendency of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons. The greater the difference in electronegativity, the more unequal the sharing of electrons.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />A difference in electronegativity of 0.3 indicates a small difference. In general, if the difference in electronegativity is less than 0.4, the electrons are shared almost equally between the atoms.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Therefore, the correct answer is option A: "The electrons are shared equally between the atoms because the difference in electronegativity is less than 0.4."