Select the correct answer.

What is the nature of the [tex]P-O[/tex] bond in phosphorus pentoxide [tex]\left( P_2O_5 \right)[/tex]?

\begin{tabular}{|l|c|}
\hline
\multicolumn{1}{|c|}{ Elements } & Electronegativity \\
\hline
calcium [tex](Ca)[/tex] & 1.0 \\
\hline
carbon [tex](C)[/tex] & 2.55 \\
\hline
fluorine [tex](F)[/tex] & 4.0 \\
\hline
hydrogen [tex](H)[/tex] & 2.2 \\
\hline
phosphorus [tex](P)[/tex] & 2.19 \\
\hline
sodium [tex](Na)[/tex] & 0.93 \\
\hline
oxygen [tex](O)[/tex] & 3.44 \\
\hline
\end{tabular}



Answer :

To determine the nature of the bond between phosphorus (P) and oxygen (O) in phosphorus pentoxide \((P_2O_5)\), we can use the concept of electronegativity difference. The electronegativity values for phosphorus and oxygen are provided as follows:

- Electronegativity of phosphorus (P): 2.19
- Electronegativity of oxygen (O): 3.44

Here is the step-by-step solution:

1. Calculate the Difference in Electronegativity:
We find the absolute difference between the electronegativity values of phosphorus and oxygen.
[tex]\[ \text{Electronegativity difference} = | \text{Electronegativity of O} - \text{Electronegativity of P} | \][/tex]
Substituting the given values:
[tex]\[ \text{Electronegativity difference} = | 3.44 - 2.19 | = 1.25 \][/tex]

2. Determine the Nature of the Bond:
Based on the electronegativity difference, we categorize the bond type as follows:
- If the electronegativity difference is between 0 and 0.4, the bond is nonpolar covalent.
- If the electronegativity difference is between 0.4 and 1.7, the bond is polar covalent.
- If the electronegativity difference is greater than 1.7, the bond is ionic.

3. Analyze the Result:
The calculated electronegativity difference is 1.25, which falls within the range of 0.4 to 1.7. Hence, according to the criteria given, the bond between P and O in phosphorus pentoxide is classified as a polar covalent bond.

Thus, the correct answer is that the nature of the [tex]\(P-O\)[/tex] bond in [tex]\(\text{P}_2\text{O}_5\)[/tex] is polar covalent.

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