To determine which of the given compounds is most likely a covalent compound, we need to understand the basic principles of chemical bonding. There are two primary types of chemical bonds: ionic and covalent.
1. Ionic Bonds: These occur between metals and non-metals. In ionic bonds, electrons are transferred from the metal to the non-metal, resulting in the formation of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions). The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions forms the ionic bond.
2. Covalent Bonds: These occur between non-metals. In covalent bonds, electrons are shared between the atoms to achieve stability, usually in the form of electron pairs.
Now let's analyze each of the given compounds to classify their bonding nature:
1. LiF (Lithium Fluoride):
- Lithium (Li) is a metal.
- Fluorine (F) is a non-metal.
- The bond between a metal (Li) and a non-metal (F) is typically ionic.
2. MgS (Magnesium Sulfide):
- Magnesium (Mg) is a metal.
- Sulfur (S) is a non-metal.
- The bond between a metal (Mg) and a non-metal (S) is typically ionic.
3. NH\(_3\) (Ammonia):
- Nitrogen (N) is a non-metal.
- Hydrogen (H) is a non-metal.
- The bond between two non-metals (N and H) is typically covalent.
4. CaCl\(_2\) (Calcium Chloride):
- Calcium (Ca) is a metal.
- Chlorine (Cl) is a non-metal.
- The bond between a metal (Ca) and a non-metal (Cl) is typically ionic.
Given this analysis, \(NH_3\) (Ammonia) is the compound where both elements involved are non-metals. Thus, it is most likely to form a covalent bond.
Therefore, the compound most likely to be a covalent compound is [tex]\(NH_3\)[/tex].
