Question

Element Electronegativity
bromine 2.8
oxygen 3.5
nitrogen 3.0
phosphorus 2.1

Based on the information in the table, which pair of elements would likely form the least polar bonds with each other?

nitrogen and oxygen
bromine and nitrogen
oxygen and phosphorus
Phosphorus and bromine

Answer 1

To determine which pair of elements would likely form the least polar bonds, we can examine the differences in electronegativity for each pair:

1. **Nitrogen (3.0) and Oxygen (3.5)**: Difference = 0.5
2. **Bromine (2.8) and Nitrogen (3.0)**: Difference = 0.2
3. **Oxygen (3.5) and Phosphorus (2.1)**: Difference = 1.4
4. **Phosphorus (2.1) and Bromine (2.8)**: Difference = 0.7

The pair with the smallest difference in electronegativity will form the least polar bond.

Comparing the differences:
- Nitrogen and Oxygen: 0.5
- Bromine and Nitrogen: 0.2
- Oxygen and Phosphorus: 1.4
- Phosphorus and Bromine: 0.7

The smallest difference is **0.2** for the pair **bromine and nitrogen**. Therefore, bromine and nitrogen would likely form the least polar bonds with each other.