Question

List two nonmetal elements that combine with three hydrogen atoms to satisfy the octet rule.

Short answer

Nitrogen and phosphorus are the two nonmetals.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Octet Rule

To solve this problem, we need to identify elements that follow the octet rule. Nonmetal elements try to achieve a full outer electron shell with eight electrons, which is considered stable.

Identifying Nonmetal Elements

Look for nonmetal elements that commonly form compounds with hydrogen. Elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, oxygen, and sulfur are potential candidates. These elements are known for forming stable compounds with hydrogen.

Combining Nonmetals with Hydrogen

Focus on elements that can form compounds with exactly three hydrogen atoms. Typically, these elements will form covalent bonds, sharing electrons to complete their outer shells.

Evaluating Elements

Check elements nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) because both can form stable compounds with three hydrogen atoms, such as ammonia (NH₃) and phosphine (PH₃) respectively.

Key concepts

Nonmetal Elements

Nonmetal elements play a vital role in chemistry due to their ability to form various types of bonds, such as covalent bonds, by sharing electrons. The fundamental aim is to fulfill the octet rule, where nonmetal elements seek to achieve the stability of having eight electrons in their outermost shell. Different nonmetals will engage in forming compounds for this purpose.

Some common nonmetal elements include:

• Nitrogen (N)
• Oxygen (O)
• Phosphorus (P)
• Sulfur (S)

These elements have unique properties and high electronegativities, allowing them to pull electrons closer and share them effectively in covalent bonds. This distinct characteristic enables nonmetals to form complex structures, contributing to the dynamics of chemistry and compound formation.

Hydrogen Compounds

Hydrogen, the simplest and most abundant element in the universe, often combines with nonmetal elements to form stable compounds. These compounds can range from simple molecules, such as water (\( H_2O \) or ammonia (\( NH_3 \)), to more complex organic structures.

Key properties of hydrogen compounds include:

• Formation through electron sharing, leading to covalent bonds
• The ability to fulfill the electron requirements of the nonmetals they bond with, contributing to the octet rule
• Diverse applications and essential functions in biological and chemical systems

Understanding hydrogen compounds is important as they often determine the behavior of elements within a broader chemical context, providing insight into how molecules interact, connect, and sustain life and technology.

Covalent Bonds

Covalent bonds form when nonmetal elements share pairs of electrons, enabling them to attain a stable electron configuration akin to the noble gases. This is crucial in satisfying the octet rule, especially for many elements that require more electrons to complete their outer shell. For instance, when nitrogen forms a compound with hydrogen, such as ammonia (\( NH_3 \)), they create a stable arrangement where nitrogen shares electrons with three hydrogen atoms.

Characteristics of covalent bonds include:

• Shared electrons between atoms
• Formation of molecules with distinct geometrical structures
• Generally low melting and boiling points compared to ionic compounds

Covalent bonding is foundational in molecular chemistry, given that it influences molecular stability, shapes, polarities, and ultimately the properties of the matter they compose. These bonds are central to the structure and function of countless compounds found in nature and synthetic products.