Use the periodic table to answer the question. Based on their locations in the periodic table, which two elements are most likely to form covalent bonds with each other? Nitrogen and oxygen. Magnesium and sulfur. Potassium and iodine. Or Sodium and bromine.

Answer 1

To determine which pairs of elements are most likely to form covalent bonds based on their locations in the periodic table, we should consider the types of elements involved:

1. Nitrogen (N) and Oxygen (O): Both are nonmetals and are located in the upper right part of the periodic table. Nonmetals typically form covalent bonds with each other.

2. Magnesium (Mg) and Sulfur (S): Magnesium is a metal, while sulfur is a nonmetal. Metals generally form ionic bonds with nonmetals, although there can be some covalent character.

3. Potassium (K) and Iodine (I): Potassium is a metal and iodine is a nonmetal. This combination also tends to form ionic bonds.

4. Sodium (Na) and Bromine (Br): Sodium is another metal, while bromine is a nonmetal. Similar to the previous pair, this combination is more likely to form ionic bonds.

Considering these pairings, Nitrogen and Oxygen (nonmetals) are the most likely to form covalent bonds with each other.