The electronic configuration of an element is . In chemical reactions, is it likely to form a covalent or electrovalent bond?
Step 1: Introduction to covalent and electrovalent compounds:
Covalent compounds are those compounds in which the atoms share one or more pairs of electrons present in their valence shells.
The atoms in covalent compounds are held together by covalent bonds.
Electrovalent compounds are those compounds in which the complete transfer of electrons takes place from one atom to another atom.
These compounds contain an ionic bond between their atoms.
Step 2: Analysis of the given element
The electronic configuration of the element is .
In the bond formation, a total of eight electrons are needed in the valence shell.
So, the given element is three short of electrons to complete its octet.
Thus, it is not possible to transfer electrons and form an ionic or electrovalent bond.
Therefore, the element share electrons and forms a covalent bond in chemical reactions.