Question

1. choose the best answer.

the difference in ______ determines whether two atoms will bond covalently or ionically.
o atomic mass
o electronegativity
o ionization energy
o polarity

1. choose the best answer.

large differences in electronegativity result in ______ bonds.
o metallic
o polar covalent
o ionic
o nonpolar covalent

Explanation:

• For question 4:
• Atomic mass is the mass of an atom and has no direct relation to bonding type.
• Electronegativity difference is a key factor. If the difference is large (usually > 1.7), ionic bonding occurs. If it is small (usually < 1.7), covalent bonding occurs.
• Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom and is not the main determinant of bonding type.
• Polarity is a property of a molecule (due to bond polarities and molecular geometry) and not a determinant of the initial bonding type.
• For question 5:
• Metallic bonds involve a sea of delocalized electrons among metal atoms and are not related to electronegativity difference in the same way as the other options.
• In polar covalent bonds, there is a moderate electronegativity difference (usually 0.4 - 1.7).
• When there is a large electronegativity difference (usually > 1.7), one atom donates electrons to another, forming ions, and thus ionic bonds.
• Nonpolar covalent bonds have a very small electronegativity difference (usually < 0.4).

Answer:

1. electronegativity
2. ionic