Here are some examples of molecules: Cl2, CO2, SO2, and CF4. Each of these is related in that they're all bonded covalently.
Which of these is a covalently-bonded molecule also?
A. He atoms
B. K2S
C. BaBr2
D. P2O4
P2O4 is covalent
To determine which of these options is a covalently-bonded molecule, we need to understand the nature of covalent bonding.
Covalent bonding occurs when two atoms share electrons to form a stable electron configuration. This type of bond typically occurs between nonmetals or between nonmetals and metalloids. In a covalently-bonded molecule, the atoms are held together by these shared electrons.
Let's analyze each option:
A. He atoms: Helium (He) is an element in the noble gas group. Noble gases are known for their stability and do not readily form covalent bonds. Therefore, He atoms do not form covalently-bonded molecules.
B. K2S: This compound consists of potassium (K) and sulfur (S) atoms. Potassium is a metal and typically forms ionic bonds, not covalent bonds. Therefore, K2S is not a covalently-bonded molecule.
C. BaBr2: This compound is made up of barium (Ba) and bromine (Br) atoms. Barium is a metal, and bromine is a nonmetal. BaBr2 forms ionic bonds rather than covalent bonds. Therefore, BaBr2 is not a covalently-bonded molecule.
D. P2O4: This compound contains phosphorus (P) and oxygen (O) atoms. Both phosphorus and oxygen are nonmetals. Since these elements are both nonmetals, they are more likely to form covalent bonds. Therefore, P2O4 is a covalently-bonded molecule.
Based on this analysis, the correct answer is option D.