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Which of the binary compounds formed by the following pairs of elements contain covalent bonds?

1) Sodium chloride
2) Carbon dioxide
3) Magnesium oxide
4) Potassium iodide

User Ittus
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Final answer:

Only carbon dioxide (CO2) among the listed compounds contains covalent bonds because it is made up of two non-metal elements, carbon and oxygen, which follow the general rule for covalent bonding. so, option 2 is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine which binary compounds contain covalent bonds among the given pairs, we need to consider the nature of the elements involved. Covalent bonding typically occurs between non-metal elements. Here are the compounds analyzed:


  1. Sodium chloride (NaCl): Ionic, because it's formed between a metal (sodium) and a non-metal (chlorine).
  2. Magnesium oxide (MgO): Ionic, as it's between a metal (magnesium) and a non-metal (oxygen).
  3. Potassium iodide (KI): Ionic, due to the combination of a metal (potassium) and a non-metal (iodine).

In conclusion, among the compounds listed, carbon dioxide is the one that contains covalent bonds.

Out of the binary compounds listed, the ones that contain covalent bonds are:

Carbon dioxide (CO2): In this compound, carbon and oxygen form covalent bonds by sharing electrons.

Potassium iodide (KI): This compound contains an ionic bond between potassium (K+) and iodine (I-).

Sodium chloride (NaCl) and magnesium oxide (MgO) are examples of compounds that contain ionic bonds, where electrons are transferred from one atom to another. Ionic compounds usually consist of a metal and a non-metal.

User Rahul Raj
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