Which of these statements correctly describes the electronic charge distribution in a molecule?
I. The charge density around each atom is the same as it is in the free atom.
II. The electronic charge is distributed equally around each atom in the molecule.
III. Electrons are attracted preferentially to atoms with high electronegativity.
IV. Electronic charge density is enhanced in the space between atoms to form a bond.
V. Electrons are always shared between atoms and never transferred from one atom to another.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Statement I is incorrect because the electron density around an atom in a molecule is affected by the presence of other atoms, leading to changes in the charge distribution. 
Statement II is incorrect because the distribution of electrons is affected by factors such as electronegativity and molecular geometry, which can lead to unequal distribution around different atoms in the molecule. 
Statement III is correct because electronegative atoms attract electrons more strongly than less electronegative atoms, leading to an uneven distribution of charge in the molecule. 
Statement IV is correct because in covalent bonding, the electron density is enhanced in the region between the atoms. 
Statement V is incorrect because electrons can be transferred between atoms in certain types of chemical reactions, such as oxidation-reduction reactions.

Which of These Statements Correctly Describes the Electronic Charge Distribution