Which of the following conditions is the most suitable for covalent bond formation?
Which of the following conditions is the most suitable for covalent bond formation?
The correct option is A Both the elements involved in the bond formation should be non-metals.
Explanation of the correct option:
(A) Both the elements involved in the bond formation should be non-metals.
- Generally, the non-metals of similar electronegativity is more prone to the formation of covalent bond.
- Neither of the atoms is strong enough to attract electrons, thus, they opt for sharing which leads to the formation of a covalent bond.
- Therefore, Both the elements involved in the bond formation should be non-metals.
Explanation of the incorrect options:
(B) One of participating atoms should be a metal and the other one should be a non-metal.
This is the condition for ionic bond formation, metal and non-metal have a sufficient electronegativity difference and in this case, the atoms are more prone to the formation of an ionic bond.
(C) One of the elements should be a good reducing agent and the other one should be a good oxidizing agent.
This also indicates that the substances are metal and non-metal respectively and so, they are more prone to the formation of an ionic bond.
(D) One of the participating atoms should be bigger in size than the other one.
The size of the atoms is not always the criteria for covalent bond formation. In some cases, it may become a factor otherwise not.
Hence, the correct option is (A).
Both the elements involved in the bond formation should be non-metals.
Explanation of the correct option:
(A) Both the elements involved in the bond formation should be non-metals.
- Generally, the non-metals of similar electronegativity is more prone to the formation of covalent bond.
- Neither of the atoms is strong enough to attract electrons, thus, they opt for sharing which leads to the formation of a covalent bond.
- Therefore, Both the elements involved in the bond formation should be non-metals.
Explanation of the incorrect options:
(B) One of participating atoms should be a metal and the other one should be a non-metal.
This is the condition for ionic bond formation, metal and non-metal have a sufficient electronegativity difference and in this case, the atoms are more prone to the formation of an ionic bond.
(C) One of the elements should be a good reducing agent and the other one should be a good oxidizing agent.
This also indicates that the substances are metal and non-metal respectively and so, they are more prone to the formation of an ionic bond.
(D) One of the participating atoms should be bigger in size than the other one.
The size of the atoms is not always the criteria for covalent bond formation. In some cases, it may become a factor otherwise not.
Hence, the correct option is (A).
