Question

hydrogen and oxygen atoms water molecule hydrogen hydrogen hydrogen which statement best describes what happens to the stability of hydrogen and oxygen atoms when they form bonds in a water molecule? a by sharing electrons, hydrogen and oxygen atoms become less stable when they form bonds. b by transferring electrons between each other, the hydrogen atoms become more stable than the oxygen atom. c by sharing electrons, both the hydrogen and oxygen atoms fill their outer energy levels and become more stable.

Explanation:

In a water molecule ($H_2O$), hydrogen and oxygen form covalent bonds by sharing electrons. This sharing allows hydrogen to fill its 1 - electron outer shell (to have 2 electrons like helium) and oxygen to complete its outer shell with 8 electrons, achieving a more stable electron - configuration.

Answer:

c. By sharing electrons, both the hydrogen and oxygen atoms fill their outer energy levels and become more stable.