Question

use the table to answer the question.
elements with their electronegativity

element	electronegativity
oxygen	3.5
nitrogen	3.0
phosphorus	2.1

based on the information in the table, which pair of elements would likely form the least polar bonds with each other? (1 point)

• phosphorus and bromine
• bromine and nitrogen
• oxygen and phosphorus
• nitrogen and oxygen

Explanation:

Step1: Recall bond - polarity rule

The polarity of a bond depends on the electronegativity difference ($\Delta\chi$) between the two atoms. The smaller the $\Delta\chi$, the less polar the bond.

Step2: Calculate $\Delta\chi$ for each pair

Phosphorus and bromine

$\Delta\chi_{P - Br}=\vert2.1 - 2.8\vert= 0.7$

Bromine and nitrogen

$\Delta\chi_{Br - N}=\vert2.8 - 3.0\vert = 0.2$

Oxygen and phosphorus

$\Delta\chi_{O - P}=\vert3.5 - 2.1\vert=1.4$

Nitrogen and oxygen

$\Delta\chi_{N - O}=\vert3.5 - 3.0\vert = 0.5$

Step3: Compare $\Delta\chi$ values

We compare the calculated $\Delta\chi$ values: $0.2<0.5<0.7<1.4$

Answer:

bromine and nitrogen