OCR A-Level Chemistry Synthesis and analytical techniques (02), June 2024: Question 1

1 mark · Easy difficulty · Multiple Choice

Identify the electrostatic attraction present in a covalent bond from multiple choice options.

Practise this question

Question

Multiple choice question 1 asks about the electrostatic attraction in a covalent bond. Four options are given: A, a shared pair of electrons and the nuclei of the bonded atoms; B, cations and delocalised electrons; C, oppositely charged ions; D, two molecules. There is an answer box and a mark allocation of [1] at the bottom right.
Question text

1 All organic compounds have covalent bonds.

What is the electrostatic attraction in a covalent bond between?

A A shared pair of electrons and the nuclei of the bonded atoms

B Cations and delocalised electrons

C Oppositely charged ions

D Two molecules

Your answer

[1]

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme The mark scheme indicates that the correct answer for question 1 is option A.

1 A 1

How to answer it

Defining Covalent Bonding

What this question tests

This question tests your fundamental understanding of chemical bonding definitions, specifically requiring you to correctly identify the electrostatic forces of attraction holding a covalent bond together, distinguishing it from ionic and metallic bonding.

Question 1

Multiple Choice: Electrostatic Attraction in Covalent Bonds

✅ Correct Answer

A – A shared pair of electrons and the nuclei of the bonded atoms.

Mark: 1 / 1

💡 Key Knowledge

  • A covalent bond is defined as the strong electrostatic attraction between a shared pair of electrons and the nuclei of the bonded atoms.
  • Both nuclei are positively charged due to protons, and they are mutually attracted to the negatively charged electron cloud located between them.

🧠 Exam Technique

  • Read every distractor carefully before choosing. Multiple-choice questions often include definitions for other bond types to catch rushed readers.
  • Eliminate options that describe different bonding models right away.

❌ Common Errors & Misconceptions

  • Option B describes metallic bonding (positive metal cations and a sea of delocalised electrons).
  • Option C describes ionic bonding (electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions).
  • Option D describes intermolecular forces (e.g., London forces or permanent dipole-dipole interactions between molecules), not covalent bonds.

Topics

Module 2: Foundations in chemistry · 2.2 Electrons, bonding and structure

Question and mark scheme from the OCR A-Level Chemistry examination, Synthesis and analytical techniques (02), June 2024. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.