5. (03.01 MC)

The electron configuration of an element is 1s22s22p4. Describe what most likely happens when two atoms of this element move toward each other. (5 points)

Most likely what will happen when two atoms of this element move toward each other is that a double covalent bond will form. This forms once pairs of electrons are shared between atoms.

Explanation: received full credit on the quiz

When the two atoms move towards each other, a molecule of the element is formed by means of covalent bonding which is formed by sharing two pairs of electrons provided by each of the atoms in order for them to achieve the stable octet in their valence electrons

Explanation:

The electronic configuration of the given element, 1s²2s²2p⁴, indicates that it has six electrons in its outermost or valence shell.

According to the octet or duplet rule of  stability of atoms of elements, an atom with less than 8 electrons in its valence shell will either donate or share electrons in order to achieve an octet structure in its valence shell.

Since this element has six valence shell electrons, each atom requires two electrons to complete its octet configuration in the outermost shell .

When the two atoms move towards each other,  they will achieve an octet by sharing of two electron pairs provided by each atom atom in order to achieve an octet configuration.

Thus, each atom will provide two electrons which will be shared among the two atoms so that each will have eight valence electrons in their outermost shell.