Question

Based on their locations in the periodic table, which two elements are most likely to form covalent bonds with each other?

(1 point)
Responses

nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O)
nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O)

magnesium (Mg) and sulfur (S)
magnesium (Mg) and sulfur (S)

potassium (K) and iodine (I)
potassium (K) and iodine (I)

sodium (Na) and bromine (Br)
sodium (Na) and bromine (Br)

Answer 1

Covalent bonds are typically formed between nonmetal elements, which usually have similar electronegativities.

In the given options:

- **Nitrogen (N)** and **Oxygen (O)** are both nonmetals located in the same region of the periodic table, making them likely to form covalent bonds.

- **Magnesium (Mg)** is a metal and **Sulfur (S)** is a nonmetal, which would typically favor ionic bonding rather than covalent bonding.

- **Potassium (K)** is a metal and **Iodine (I)** is a nonmetal, which also suggests that they would likely form ionic bonds instead of covalent bonds.

- **Sodium (Na)** is a metal and **Bromine (Br)** is a nonmetal, indicating a preference for ionic bonding as well.

Thus, the most likely pair to form covalent bonds is **nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O)**.