Question

Which is the best argument for why CO2 represents a covalent bond?

a
The difference in electronegativity of the two elements is greater than 1.7.

b
The difference in electronegativity of the two elements is less than 1.7.

c
The difference in electronegativity of the two elements is greater than 1.7 but less than 3.0.

d
The difference in electronegativity of the two elements is zero.

Answer 1

B.) The difference in electronegativity of the two elements is less than 1.7.

Step-by-step explanation:

A difference of less than 2 between atoms leads to covalent bond formation. Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to draw bonding electrons when it is bonded.

We know that in covalent bonding, atoms "share" elections. We also know that in ionic bonding, atoms "take" electrons. If the electronegativity was too great then atoms would no longer share electrons, one would just draw the electron to it. The ideal values to covalently bond, in this case, would be below two.