Questions: Which diagram represents an element that is likely to form covalent bonds?

Transcript text: Which diagram represents an element that is likely to form covalent bonds?

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Analyze the Question

The question asks which diagram represents an element likely to form covalent bonds. Covalent bonds are formed when atoms share electrons, typically occurring between nonmetals. Nonmetals tend to have higher numbers of valence electrons (electrons in the outermost shell), generally 4 or more, making them more likely to share electrons to achieve a stable octet.

Step 2: Examine the Diagrams

The diagrams depict Bohr models of atoms. We need to count the valence electrons (electrons in the outermost ring) in each diagram.

Diagram 1: 2 valence electrons
Diagram 2: 6 valence electrons
Diagram 3: 7 valence electrons
Diagram 4: 8 valence electrons

Step 3: Identify the Element Likely to Form Covalent Bonds

Diagrams 2, 3, and 4 represent elements with 6, 7, and 8 valence electrons, respectively. These are characteristic of nonmetals and are likely to share electrons to achieve a stable octet, thus forming covalent bonds. Diagram 1, with only 2 valence electrons, represents a metal, more likely to lose electrons and form ionic bonds.

Final Answer

The diagrams with 6, 7, or 8 valence electrons are most likely to form covalent bonds, therefore options 2, 3 and 4 are all correct.

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