Question

how is electronegativity related to covalent bonding?
atoms must have similar electronegativities in order to share electrons in a covalent bond.
atoms must have very different electronegativities in order to transfer electrons in a covalent bond.
atoms must have similar electronegativities in order to transfer electrons in a covalent bond.
atoms must have very different electronegativities in order to share electrons in a covalent bond.

Explanation:

In covalent bonding, atoms share electrons. When electronegativities are similar, neither atom strongly attracts or repels the shared - electron pair, allowing for electron - sharing. When electronegativities are very different, electron transfer occurs (ionic bonding), not sharing in covalent bonding.

Answer:

Atoms must have similar electronegativities in order to share electrons in a covalent bond.