In the process of covalent bonding, atoms share electrons. this means that * a) electrons from each atom are attracted to the nucleus of both atoms b) protons and neutrons attract c) atoms lose electrons and become ions d) atoms gain electrons and become ions

The answer for this problem would be A. The wording for the answers of this question are unusual, but let's break it down.

Neutrons have no net charge, and therefore cannot experience electrical attraction. Protons and electrons, however, do - the positive charge of the proton and the negative charge of the electron create a shared attraction between the two. Neutrons, on the other hand, do not. This eliminates B.

Covalent bonds are created when electrons are shared between the two atoms in an effort to stabilize the valence shell of both atoms. The electron can't serve one or the other, because that makes one more unstable than it should be. The two atoms compromise, and the spare electrons exists in both clouds at the same time, thus stabilizing both atoms involved in the bond.

Ionic bonds, on the other hand, are created through the relationship established between two atoms, where one atom, having one or more electrons than it needs for the stable octet, donates the extra electron to another atom that is short of the octet. Each atom is satisfied, as both involved now have a full valence shell. The relationship between the two is the "bond," and the imbalance of charges within the atom make them ions. Thus, we have the term "ionic bond." For this description, we can now eliminate C and D.