Question

1. you are a research scientist working for an oil exploration company. a molecule is isolated from a sample taken from a new test well the company is drilling. initial tests indicate that the molecule is nonpolar. based on what you read in regards to nonpolar covalent bonds, what elements are likely to make up the molecule? briefly explain your answer.

Explanation:

Non - polar covalent bonds occur between atoms with similar electronegativities. Carbon - carbon and carbon - hydrogen bonds are non - polar covalent. So, carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) are likely elements. Hydrocarbons, which are common in oil, consist mainly of C and H and have non - polar covalent bonds due to the small electronegativity difference between C and H.

Answer:

Carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) are likely to make up the molecule because non - polar covalent bonds are common between carbon and hydrogen atoms, and hydrocarbons with such bonds are prevalent in oil.