For each of the following, enter the number of covalent bonds that the atom can form:

(A) One atom of carbon

(B) One atom of sulfur

(C) One atom of nitrogen with no net charge

(D) One atom of nitrogen with positive net charge

(E) One atom of oxygen with no net charge

(F) One atom of oxygen with negative net charge

4

2
3
4
2
1

Tut tut tut...someone needs help for the secret of life edx course , eh?

4, 2,3,4,2,1

To determine the number of covalent bonds that an atom can form, we need to examine its valence electrons.

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom, and they are the ones involved in forming chemical bonds. The number of valence electrons determines the number of covalent bonds an atom can form.

Here are the number of valence electrons for the elements mentioned:

(A) Carbon has 4 valence electrons. It can form 4 covalent bonds.

(B) Sulfur has 6 valence electrons. It can form 6 covalent bonds.

(C) Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons. It can form 3 covalent bonds. Nitrogen prefers to form three covalent bonds because it allows it to have a stable "octet" configuration (8 valence electrons in total).

(D) For a nitrogen atom with a positive net charge, it means that it has lost some electrons. The number of valence electrons is reduced by the number of lost electrons. So if it loses 1 electron, it will have 4 valence electrons remaining, and it can form 4 covalent bonds.

(E) Oxygen has 6 valence electrons. It can form 2 covalent bonds. Oxygen also tends to form two covalent bonds to attain a stable electron configuration.

(F) For a negatively charged oxygen atom, it means it has gained some electrons. The number of valence electrons is increased by the number of gained electrons. So if it gains 1 electron, it will have 7 valence electrons, and it can form 3 covalent bonds.

In summary:

(A) Carbon can form 4 covalent bonds.
(B) Sulfur can form 6 covalent bonds.
(C) Nitrogen can form 3 covalent bonds.
(D) Nitrogen with positive net charge can form 4 covalent bonds.
(E) Oxygen can form 2 covalent bonds.
(F) Oxygen with negative net charge can form 3 covalent bonds.