Question
Which element will form a covalent bond with selenium, Se? A. Potassium, K C. Strontium, Sr B. Beryllium, Be D. Fluorine, mathrm(F)
Answer
4.1
(257 Votes)
Idris
Professional · Tutor for 6 years
Answer
The element that will form a covalent bond with selenium is Fluorine (F), option D.
Explanation
## Step 1Covalent bonding is a type of chemical bond where two or more atoms share one or more pairs of electrons. This sharing of electrons allows the atoms to achieve a stable electron configuration.## Step 2Elements are organized in the periodic table based on their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. Elements in the same group (vertical column) have similar properties, including the type of bonding they form.## Step 3In the given options, we need to identify which element is most likely to form a covalent bond with selenium.## Step 4Option A and C, Potassium (K) and Strontium (Sr), are both in Group 1 (alkali metals), which tend to lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. This means they are more likely to form ionic bonds, not covalent bonds.## Step 5Option B, Beryllium (Be), is in Group 2 (alkaline earth metals). These elements also tend to lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, leading to the formation of ionic bonds.## Step 6Option D, Fluorine (F), is a halogen in Group 17. Halogens are known for their high electronegativity, meaning they have a strong attraction for shared electrons. They tend to form covalent bonds rather than ionic bonds.## Step 7Selenium (Se) is in Group 16. It needs two additional electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. Fluorine, with its high electronegativity, is capable of sharing electrons with selenium, leading to the formation of a covalent bond.