To determine which pairs of elements are most likely to form covalent bonds with each other based on their locations in the periodic table, we need to consider the types of elements involved (metals vs. nonmetals) and their electronegativity differences.
-
Mg and S: Magnesium (Mg) is a metal and sulfur (S) is a nonmetal. This pair is more likely to form an ionic bond than a covalent bond.
-
Na and Br: Sodium (Na) is also a metal and bromine (Br) is a nonmetal. Like with Mg and S, this pair is also more likely to form an ionic bond.
-
N and O: Both nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) are nonmetals. They are both located in the upper right portion of the periodic table, and they have similar electronegativities. This makes them very likely to form covalent bonds.
-
K and I: Potassium (K) is a metal and iodine (I) is a nonmetal. Similar to the previous metal/nonmetal pairs, they are more likely to form an ionic bond.
Based on this analysis, the pair most likely to form covalent bonds is:
N and O.