A covalent bond is between what types of elements?
A covalent bond is typically formed between nonmetallic elements.
A covalent bond is formed between nonmetal elements.
A covalent bond is formed between two nonmetal elements or between a nonmetal and a metalloid element. In order to determine whether a bond between two elements is covalent, we can look at the electronegativity values of the elements.
Electronegativity is the measure of an atom's ability to attract electrons towards itself in a chemical bond. Nonmetals generally have higher electronegativity values compared to metals. Therefore, when two nonmetals or a nonmetal and a metalloid with similar electronegativity values bond, they tend to share electrons rather than transferring them.
To find the electronegativity values of elements, you can refer to the periodic table. Elements towards the right side of the periodic table, such as oxygen, nitrogen, and fluorine, have higher electronegativity values, making them more likely to form covalent bonds with other nonmetals or metalloids.
It's worth noting that there is a range of bond types, ranging from purely covalent to purely ionic, with polar covalent bonds falling in between. The electronegativity difference between two elements determines the bond type:
- If the electronegativity difference is small (less than 0.5), it indicates a nonpolar covalent bond, where electrons are shared equally between the atoms.
- If the electronegativity difference is moderate (between 0.5 and 1.7), it indicates a polar covalent bond, where electrons are unequally shared, resulting in a partial positive and partial negative charge on the bonded atoms.
- If the electronegativity difference is large (greater than 1.7), it indicates an ionic bond, where one atom transfers electrons to the other, resulting in ions with opposite charges.
So, to determine whether a bond is covalent, you need to check the electronegativity difference between the two elements involved in the bond. If the electronegativity difference is small or moderate, it is likely to be a covalent bond.