The element sulfur (S) is most likely to form covalent bonds with which of the following elements?

• A. Oxygen (O)
• B. Potassium (K)
• C. Magnesium (Mg)
• D. Sodium (Na)

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of sulfur (S): Sulfur is a nonmetal and typically forms covalent bonds by sharing electrons with other nonmetals.
2. Identify the types of elements listed: Oxygen (O) is a nonmetal, while Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), and Sodium (Na) are metals.
3. Recall bonding tendencies: Metals tend to form ionic bonds by transferring electrons to nonmetals, whereas nonmetals tend to form covalent bonds by sharing electrons with other nonmetals.
4. Compare electronegativities: Since sulfur and oxygen are both nonmetals with relatively similar electronegativities, they are more likely to share electrons and form covalent bonds.
5. Conclude that sulfur is most likely to form covalent bonds with oxygen (O), the nonmetal among the options.