Question

3 mark for review which of the following claims about a binary compound composed of elements with the same electronegativity is most likely to be true? a the compound has properties similar to those of both elements. b the bonding in the compound is nonpolar covalent. c the boiling point of the compound is above 1000°c. d the compound contains strong ionic bonds.

Explanation:

1. Analyze Option A: Compounds have distinct properties from their constituent elements (e.g., water vs. H and O), so A is false.
2. Analyze Option B: Electronegativity difference (ΔEN) determines bond type. For same electronegativity, ΔEN = 0. Nonpolar covalent bonds form when ΔEN ≤ 0.4 (or exactly 0 here), so B is correct.
3. Analyze Option C: Nonpolar covalent compounds (e.g., O₂, N₂, or simple molecules like CH₄ in non - polar cases) typically have low boiling points, not above 1000°C, so C is false.
4. Analyze Option D: Ionic bonds require a large ΔEN (usually > 1.7), but here ΔEN = 0, so no ionic bonds, D is false.

Answer:

B. The bonding in the compound is nonpolar covalent.