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 - electrons, enabling electron - sharing. If electronegativities are very different, electron transfer occurs (ionic bonding), not sharing.

Answer:

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