To determine which element sulfur (S) is most likely to form covalent bonds with, we need to consider the chemical properties and bonding tendencies of each option. Sulfur is a nonmetal, and nonmetals commonly form covalent bonds with other nonmetals. Let's evaluate the bonding likelihood with each given element:
1. Helium (He):
- Helium is a noble gas, which means it has a complete outer electron shell. Noble gases are generally inert and do not form bonds easily because they are already in their most stable state.
- Therefore, sulfur is unlikely to form covalent bonds with helium.
2. Magnesium (Mg):
- Magnesium is an alkaline earth metal and typically forms ionic bonds rather than covalent bonds. Metals like magnesium tend to donate electrons to nonmetals to form ionic compounds.
- Hence, sulfur is unlikely to form covalent bonds with magnesium.
3. Zinc (Zn):
- Zinc is a transition metal. Similar to magnesium, metals, including transition metals, prefer to form ionic bonds with nonmetals by transferring electrons.
- Thus, sulfur is unlikely to form covalent bonds with zinc.
4. Oxygen (O):
- Oxygen is a nonmetal, like sulfur. Nonmetals tend to share electrons with other nonmetals to achieve stable electron configurations, resulting in the formation of covalent bonds.
- Consequently, sulfur is most likely to form covalent bonds with oxygen.
Considering the bonding tendencies, the element with which sulfur (S) is most likely to form covalent bonds is:
Oxygen (O)
So, the correct answer is that sulfur is most likely to form covalent bonds with oxygen (O).
