A molecule with a single covalent bond is
A. $SiSe _2$
B. $Cl _2$
C. $CO _2$
D. $N _2$
Answer (1)
Analyze each molecule to determine the number of covalent bonds.
S i S e 2 has 4 covalent bonds.
C l 2 has a single covalent bond.
C O 2 has 4 covalent bonds.
N 2 has a triple covalent bond.
The molecule with a single covalent bond is C l 2 .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We need to identify which of the given molecules has a single covalent bond. A covalent bond is formed when atoms share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. We will examine each molecule to determine the number of covalent bonds present.
Analyzing SiSe_2 S i S e 2 : Silicon (Si) is in group 14 and needs 4 electrons to complete its octet. Selenium (Se) is in group 16 and needs 2 electrons to complete its octet. Therefore, one silicon atom forms two single bonds with each of the two selenium atoms. This means S i S e 2 has a total of 4 covalent bonds (two to each Se atom).
Analyzing Cl_2 C l 2 : Chlorine (Cl) is in group 17 and needs 1 electron to complete its octet. Therefore, two chlorine atoms share one pair of electrons, forming a single covalent bond.
Analyzing CO_2 C O 2 : Carbon (C) is in group 14 and needs 4 electrons to complete its octet. Oxygen (O) is in group 16 and needs 2 electrons to complete its octet. Therefore, one carbon atom forms two double bonds with two oxygen atoms. This means C O 2 has a total of 4 covalent bonds (two double bonds).
Analyzing N_2 N 2 : Nitrogen (N) is in group 15 and needs 3 electrons to complete its octet. Therefore, two nitrogen atoms share three pairs of electrons, forming a triple covalent bond.
Conclusion Based on the analysis, C l 2 has a single covalent bond.
Examples
Understanding covalent bonds is crucial in many real-world applications. For example, in the development of new materials, chemists need to understand how atoms bond together to predict the properties of the material. Similarly, in drug design, understanding covalent bonds helps in designing molecules that can interact with specific targets in the body. Covalent bonds are also essential in understanding the structure and function of biological molecules such as DNA and proteins. The single covalent bond in C l 2 is responsible for its properties as a gas at room temperature.
