Question

"Based on what you know about the general pattern of electronegativity for the elements on the periodic table, do covalent bonds form between elements with big or smaller differences in electronegativity? Explain answer.

a) Covalent bonds form between elements with big differences in electronegativity.
b) Covalent bonds form between elements with smaller differences in electronegativity.
c) Covalent bonds do not depend on electronegativity differences.
d) Covalent bonds form only between noble gases."

Answer 1

Covalent bonds generally form between elements with smaller differences in electronegativity, leading to the equal or unequal sharing of electrons and resulting in either non-polar or polar covalent bonds.

Step-by-step explanation:

Covalent bonds form between elements with smaller differences in electronegativity, which allows for the sharing of electrons between atoms. When the difference in electronegativity is very small, the bond is considered a non-polar covalent bond because electrons are shared equally. As the difference increases slightly, a polar covalent bond is formed, with electrons being shared unequally due to one atom having a higher attraction for the electrons. When the difference in electronegativity is very large, it results in the transfer of electrons, leading to the formation of an ionic bond rather than a covalent bond.