Step-by-step explanation:
Covalent bonds are defined as the bonds which are formed by the sharing of electrons between the atoms. They are usually formed by non-metals.
The number of covalent bonds are predicted by the number of valence electrons.
Elements belonging to Period 3 and above will form covalent bonds same as the number of valence electron because of the presence of d-orbitals.
Elements belonging to period 2 will form covalent bonds = (8 - number of valence electrons)
For the given elements:
- Phosphorus is the 15th element which belong to period 3. The electronic configuration of

This element has 5 valence electrons and will form 5 covalent bonds.
- Selenium is the 34th element which belong to period 4. The electronic configuration of
![[Ar]4s^23d^(10)4p^6](https://img.qammunity.org/2019/formulas/chemistry/college/l03khn2adu2gdj2z02tx4bweygqd2zxjeq.png)
This element has 6 valence electrons will form 6 covalent bonds.
- Iodine is the 53rd element which belong to period 5. The electronic configuration of
![[Kr]4d^(10)5s^25p^5](https://img.qammunity.org/2019/formulas/chemistry/middle-school/g6g0s8dxya99wc0pvjzuvmb464zqx8t2mv.png)
This element has 7 valence electrons will form 7 covalent bonds.
- Nitrogen is the 7th element which belong to period 2. The electronic configuration of

This element has 5 valence electrons. It will form (8 - 5) = 3 covalent bonds.
- Carbon is the 6th element which belong to period 2. The electronic configuration of

This element has 4 valence electrons. It will form (8 - 4) = 4 covalent bonds.
- Boron is the 5th element which belong to period 2. The electronic configuration of

This element has 3 valence electrons. It will form (8 - 3) = 5 covalent bonds.