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What combination of AvgEN and ΔEN values leads to each of the three bond types? 1. Ionic 2. Metallic 3. Covalent

A. High; Low; Moderate
B. Low; Moderate; High
C. Moderate; High; Low
D. Low; High; Moderate

User Hamobi
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The AvgEN and ΔEN values leading to ionic, metallic, and covalent bonds are high and high for ionic, low and low for metallic, and moderate and low for covalent, respectively. The correct answer is option B: Low; High; Moderate.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine what combination of average electronegativity (AvgEN) and the difference in electronegativity (ΔEN) leads to ionic, metallic, and covalent bonds, we analyze their characteristics. Ionic bonds are formed when there is a high AvgEN value and a high ΔEN value since these usually occur between metals with low electronegativity and nonmetals with high electronegativity. Metallic bonds occur between atoms with a low AvgEN value and a low ΔEN value because metals bond with each other and have similar, low electronegativity. Lastly, covalent bonds arise when there is a moderate AvgEN value and a low ΔEN value, indicative of nonmetals with similar high electronegativity values bonding together.

Therefore, the correct combination of AvgEN and ΔEN values that lead to each of the three bond types is:

  1. Ionic Bond: High AvgEN; High ΔEN
  2. Metallic Bond: Low AvgEN; Low ΔEN
  3. Covalent Bond: Moderate AvgEN; Low ΔEN

Hence, the answer is option B: Low; High; Moderate.

User Artejera
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