Question

Which pair of elements is most likely to form a molecule?
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Calcium and oxygen
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Magnesium and hydrogen
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Sodium and calcium
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Sulfur and bromine
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Answer 1

To determine which pair of elements is most likely to form a molecule, we should consider their electronegativity and bonding characteristics.

1. **Calcium and oxygen**: Calcium is a metal, and oxygen is a non-metal. They are likely to form an ionic bond (CaO), but not a molecule in the traditional sense (like covalent compounds).

2. **Magnesium and hydrogen**: Magnesium is a metal and hydrogen can behave as both a metal and a non-metal. They can form a compound, but it is likely ionic (MgH₂) rather than covalent.

3. **Sodium and calcium**: Both sodium and calcium are metals. They typically do not form covalent molecules together. Instead, they would likely form a metallic bond or not react at all in a way that produces a discrete molecule.

4. **Sulfur and bromine**: Both sulfur and bromine are non-metals and can form a covalent bond, resulting in the formation of a molecular compound (like SBr₂).

Based on this analysis, the pair of elements most likely to form a molecule is:

**Sulfur and bromine**.