Q14.7P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

If the leftmost element in a period combined with each of the others in the period, how would the type of bonding change from left to right? Explain in terms of atomic properties.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

When the leftmost element in a period is bonded to each of the other elements in the period, the bonding type changes from metallic to polar covalent to ionic.

Step 1: Atomic properties

The elements in the periodic table are arranged in increasing order. These elements display several other trends that are used to predict the chemical-physical and atomic properties.

Step 2: Change in type of bonding

Alkali metals (group IA), except hydrogen, are the leftmost elements in a period. The electronegativity value of an atom increases from left to right in a period. If the electronegativity difference between the bonded atoms increases, the polarity of the bond between the atoms increases. The bond type change from metallic to polar covalent to ionic as the polarity of the bond between the atom increases.

Thus, when the leftmost element in a period is bonded to each of the other elements in the period, the bonding type changes from metallic to polar covalent to ionic.