Question

To metals and non-metals alike, this element bonds like epoxy- generally in a very exothermic manner (in other words, it makes things burn), but, oh, what trouble would be in without these atoms, (both the pairs down here and the trios up there)?

Answer 1

The element being referred to in the question is oxygen (O). Oxygen is a nonmetallic element that strongly attracts shared electrons, resulting in covalent bonding. The oxygen-hydrogen bond becomes polar, releasing hydrogen ions and making the material behave as an acid. Nonmetals like oxygen form covalent compounds with acidic properties.

Step-by-step explanation:

The element being referred to in the question is oxygen (O).

Oxygen is a nonmetallic element with a relatively high electronegativity. It strongly attracts the electrons it shares with other atoms, making the bonds relatively covalent. In the case of the oxygen-hydrogen bond (OH), the electrons are displaced toward oxygen, weakening the bond and making it polar. This polarity allows the bond to readily release hydrogen ions and behave as an acid, leading to the formation of compounds called oxyacids.

Overall, nonmetallic elements like oxygen bond in a covalent manner and can form compounds with acidic properties.