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

• A. Calcium (Ca)
• B. Sodium (Na)
• C. Magnesium (Mg)
• D. Hydrogen (H)

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the nature of bonding. Covalent bonds form when atoms share electrons, typically between nonmetals with similar electronegativities.
2. Step 2: Identify the type of elements given. Calcium (Ca), Sodium (Na), and Magnesium (Mg) are metals, while Hydrogen (H) is a nonmetal.
3. Step 3: Recall that carbon (C) is a nonmetal and tends to form covalent bonds with other nonmetals rather than metals.
4. Step 4: Recognize that metals like Ca, Na, and Mg usually form ionic bonds by donating electrons, not covalent bonds by sharing electrons.
5. Step 5: Conclude that carbon is most likely to form covalent bonds with hydrogen (H), a nonmetal, because they share electrons to achieve stable electron configurations.