When a halogen combines with hydrogen, what type of molecule is formed?

• A. An ionic compound
• B. A coordination complex
• C. A metallic compound
• D. A binary covalent compound

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements involved: hydrogen (H) and a halogen (such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine). Both are nonmetals.
2. Recall that when two nonmetals combine, they typically form covalent bonds by sharing electrons rather than transferring electrons as in ionic bonds.
3. Understand that a molecule formed from two different elements is called a binary compound, and since the bonding is covalent, it is specifically a binary covalent compound.
4. Recognize that ionic compounds usually form between metals and nonmetals, coordination complexes involve a central metal atom with ligands, and metallic compounds involve metal atoms bonded to each other.
5. Conclude that the combination of hydrogen and a halogen results in a binary covalent compound, where the atoms share electrons to achieve stable electron configurations.