Math Snap

STEP 1

What is this asking?
Which statement correctly describes the bond formed between two atoms with an electronegativity difference of $0.4$?
Watch out!
Don't mix up ionic and covalent bonds, or sharing and transferring of electrons!

STEP 2

1. Electronegativity Difference
2. Bond Type
3. Electron Behavior

STEP 3

We're given that the electronegativity difference between the two atoms is $0.4$.
This value tells us how strongly each atom attracts electrons in a bond.
A small difference means the atoms share electrons fairly equally.
A large difference means one atom pulls electrons much more strongly, essentially stealing them from the other atom.

STEP 4

Generally, an electronegativity difference of less than $0.5$ indicates a covalent bond, where electrons are shared between the atoms.
An electronegativity difference of $1.7$ or greater usually indicates an ionic bond, where electrons are transferred from one atom to another, creating ions.

STEP 5

Our given electronegativity difference of $0.4$ is less than $0.5$.
This tells us the bond is covalent.

STEP 6

Since we've determined the bond is covalent, we know the electrons are shared between the atoms, not transferred.

The correct answer is 3: covalent, because electrons are shared.
The electronegativity difference of $0.4$ is a key indicator of a covalent bond with shared electrons.