Chapter 9, Problem 9.34P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The interactions that occur between individual chlorine atoms as they approach each other to form ${\text{Cl}}_{\text{2}}$ are to be described. Also, the combination of forces that leads the atoms to hold together and to the final internuclear distance is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

A covalent bond is formed by the interaction of two nonmetals. Covalent compounds are formed by the sharing of electrons between two or more atoms. A covalent bond is the strong forces of attraction between the shared pairs of electrons and the nuclei of the combining atoms.

The electrons are localized between the atoms and lead to the formation of a covalent bond. The electron density is greater between the nucleus of the atom in the covalent bond.