Question

How many covalent bonds are predicted for each atom: (a) F; (b) Si; (c) Br; (d) O; (e) P; (f) S?

Answer 1

Answer:

1 for F

4 for Si

1  for Br

2 for O

3 for P

2 for S

Explanation:

Atoms form bonds with other atoms with the purpose of completing their outer energy levels. So a good strategy of predicting how many bonds an atom will form is to first establish how many electrons it needs to complete its valence shell.

F has 7 valence electrons, it needs one more electron to complete its valence shell so it forms one bond

Si has 4 valence electrons, it needs four more so it forms four bonds

O has 6 valence electrons, it needs two more so it forms two bonds  

Answer 2

The covalent bonds are predicted for each atom are :

(a)F = 1
(b) Si = 4
(c) Br = 1
(d) O = 2
(e) P = 3
(f) S = 2