Which type of bond is present in chlorine molecule ?

Options

A. Single covalent bond
B. Double covalent bond
C. Triple covalent bond
D. Ionic bond

Explanation

To determine the type of bond present in a chlorine molecule (Cl₂), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Atoms Involved
The chlorine molecule consists of two chlorine atoms.

**Hint:** Remember that Cl₂ means there are two chlorine atoms bonded together.

### Step 2: Determine the Electronic Configuration
The electronic configuration of chlorine (Cl) is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁵. This shows that chlorine has 7 electrons in its outermost shell (3s² 3p⁵).

**Hint:** The outermost electrons are crucial for determining how atoms bond.

### Step 3: Understand the Octet Rule
Atoms tend to bond in such a way that they achieve a full outer shell of 8 electrons, known as the octet rule. Each chlorine atom has 7 electrons and needs 1 more to complete its octet.

**Hint:** The octet rule is a key concept in understanding covalent bonding.

### Step 4: Determine How Chlorine Atoms Bond
To achieve a full outer shell, the two chlorine atoms will share one pair of electrons. Each chlorine atom contributes one electron to the shared pair.

**Hint:** Sharing electrons is characteristic of covalent bonding.

### Step 5: Identify the Type of Bond
Since only one pair of electrons is shared between the two chlorine atoms, this results in a single covalent bond.

**Hint:** The number of shared electron pairs determines whether the bond is single, double, or triple.

### Step 6: Conclusion
The bond present in the chlorine molecule (Cl₂) is a **single covalent bond**.

**Final Answer:** The correct answer is option A: single covalent bond.