An element with atomic number twelve is likely to be

A. electrovalent with a valency of 1.

B. electrovalent with a valency of 2.

C. covalent with a valency of 2.

D. covalent with valency of 4.

QUICK ANSWER…

B

DETAILS…  

Atomic number = 12

Electronic configuration of the element = 2, 8, 2

Number of valence electrons = 2

This element will easily form electrovalent bond with a non-metal by losing 2 valence electrons.

Now for the right answer to the above question:

1. Option A is incorrect. the electron on the outermost shell is 2 and not 1.
2. Option B is correct. electrovalent, and two valence electrons.
3. C is incorrect. this is not covalent because the element will readily lose (and not share) its 2 electrons to become positively charged.
4. D is not the correct answer. This element has 2 valence electrons and not 4.

QUICK TIPS…

You may please note these/this:

• Covalent bonds are mostly formed by elements with 3 or more electrons in their outermost shell.

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/ culled from 2016 JAMB-UTME Chemistry past question 36 /