Question

From their positions on the periodic table, will \(\mathrm{N}\) and \(\mathrm{S}\) form a molecular compound or an ionic compound?

Short answer

and form a molecular compound due to their non-metallic nature and covalent bonding.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Type of Elements

First, identify the type of elements involved. Nitrogen ( ) is a non-metal, and sulfur ( ) is also a non-metal.

Determine the Bonding Nature

When two non-metals bond, they tend to share electrons rather than transfer them. This sharing of electrons usually results in a covalent bond, which typically forms a molecular compound.

Clarify the Characteristics of Molecular Compounds

Molecular compounds are characterized by their covalent bonds, where electrons are shared between atoms. Since both and are non-metals, they will share electrons, leading to the formation of covalent bonds.

Confirm the Conclusion

Since both elements are non-metals and engage in covalent bonding by sharing electrons, and will form a molecular compound.

Key concepts

periodic table

The periodic table is an ingenious way of organizing all known chemical elements based on their properties. Each element is listed by increasing atomic number, which represents the number of protons in the nucleus. This table not only provides a wealth of information at a glance but also tells us much about the behavior of elements.

• The periodic table is divided into columns called groups and rows known as periods.
• Elements in the same group often exhibit similar chemical properties because they have the same number of valence electrons.
• The position of an element can help predict its chemical behavior, including its likelihood to form certain types of bonds.

For example, non-metallic elements like nitrogen (\( \mathrm{N} \)) and sulfur (\( \mathrm{S} \)) are located on the right side of the periodic table. Their positions indicate that they have a strong tendency to share electrons, an essential characteristic in the formation of covalent bonds.

non-metal elements

Non-metal elements are found primarily on the right side of the periodic table. Unlike metals, non-metals are poor conductors of heat and electricity, and they have a greater tendency to gain electrons in chemical reactions. Their properties make them uniquely suited to form covalent bonds.

• Non-metals include elements like nitrogen (\( \mathrm{N} \)), oxygen, sulfur (\( \mathrm{S} \)), and chlorine.
• These elements usually have higher electronegativity values compared to metals, meaning they strongly attract bonding electrons.
• Non-metals can form simple molecules like \( \mathrm{O_2} \) or complex molecular structures like glucose.

In the case of nitrogen and sulfur, both being non-metals, they prefer to share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, thus explaining their role in molecular compound formation.

molecular compound formation

Molecular compound formation occurs when atoms, usually non-metals, share electrons and form covalent bonds. This process helps atoms attain stable electron configurations, similar to those of noble gases.

• Molecular compounds are generally composed of two or more non-metal atoms.
• Examples include water (\( \mathrm{H_2O} \)), carbon dioxide (\( \mathrm{CO_2} \)), and ammonia (\( \mathrm{NH_3} \)).
• Unlike ionic compounds formed by electron transfer, molecular compounds result from electron sharing, leading to lower melting and boiling points.

When nitrogen and sulfur combine, they both share their electrons to form covalent bonds, leading to the creation of molecular compounds. This process exemplifies how non-metals interact through covalent bonding to stabilize their outer electron shells.