Which diagram represents an element that is likely to form covalent bonds?

Question

A purple circle with 2 concentric circles around it. The inner circle has 2 small green spheres. The outer circle has 1 small green sphere.

A purple circle with 3 concentric circles around it. The inner circle has 2 small green spheres. The middle circle has 8 small green spheres. The outer circle has 5 small green spheres.

A purple circle with 3 concentric circles around it. The inner circle has 2 small green spheres. The middle circle has 8 small green spheres. The outer circle has 8 small green spheres.

A purple circle with 4 concentric circles around it. The inner circle has 2 small green spheres. The second circle has 8 small green spheres. The third circle has 8 small green spheres. The fourth circle has 2 small green spheres.

Answer 1

To determine which diagram represents an element that is likely to form covalent bonds, we need to consider the number of valence electrons that an atom possesses. Elements typically form covalent bonds when they have a tendency to share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, which often corresponds to having four or fewer valence electrons or needing to complete their valence shell with a few additional electrons.

Here's a breakdown of the diagrams:

1. First diagram:

   • Inner circle: 2 electrons
   • Outer circle: 1 electron
   • Total: 3 valence electrons. This element is likely to form covalent bonds as it can share electrons.

2. Second diagram:

   • Inner circle: 2 electrons
   • Middle circle: 8 electrons
   • Outer circle: 5 electrons
   • Total: 15 electrons. This element likely has a full valence shell and is less likely to form covalent bonds.

3. Third diagram:

   • Inner circle: 2 electrons
   • Middle circle: 8 electrons
   • Outer circle: 8 electrons
   • Total: 18 electrons. This also corresponds to a noble gas configuration, which tends not to form covalent bonds.

4. Fourth diagram:

   • Inner circle: 2 electrons
   • Second circle: 8 electrons
   • Third circle: 8 electrons
   • Fourth circle: 2 electrons
   • Total: 20 electrons. This element likely has a full valence shell and is less likely to participate in covalent bonding.

From this analysis, the first diagram with 3 valence electrons is the most likely representation of an element that will form covalent bonds by sharing electrons.