Which of the following elements is unlikely to form a covalent bond?

• A. Carbon (C)
• B. Neon (Ne)
• C. Oxygen (O)
• D. Nitrogen (N)

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand what a covalent bond is: a covalent bond forms when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons to achieve a full outer electron shell.
2. Recall the electron configurations of the elements given: Carbon (C), Neon (Ne), Oxygen (O), and Nitrogen (N).
3. Recognize that Neon (Ne) is a noble gas with a full outer shell (octet), making it very stable and unlikely to share electrons or form covalent bonds.
4. Compare this to Carbon, Oxygen, and Nitrogen, which have incomplete outer shells and tend to form covalent bonds to achieve stability.
5. Conclude that Neon (Ne) is unlikely to form covalent bonds because it already has a complete valence shell and is chemically inert.