Chapter 12, Problem 18E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether the energy of a system increases, decreases, or remains unchanged when two atoms combine to form a covalent bond is to be stated.

Concept introduction:

The octet configuration is the configuration in which the outermost shell of an atom contains $8$ or $18$ electrons. The octet configuration has less energy and therefore, it is stable. The electrons present in the outermost shell participate in the bond formation in order to attain the octet configuration.