Chapter U1.26, Problem 5E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The type of bonding in nitrogen dioxide is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

There is a force of attraction between atoms which keeps them together. This force of attraction is called chemical bond. Chemical bonds hold the atoms together. There are four types of bonds:

1. Ionic bond
2. Molecular covalent bond
3. Metallic bond
4. Network covalent bond

Answer to Problem 5E

In nitrogen dioxide there is molecular covalent bond because nitrogen and oxygen are gases and nonmetals.

Explanation of Solution

In the copper cycle, when nitric acid is added to the copper, nitrogen dioxide is formed. Here, nitrogen dioxide gas is made of nitrogen and oxygen which are nonmetals. They have valence electrons which are shared between nitrogen and oxygen atoms. The bonding between nitrogen and oxygen is molecular covalent. Here the nucleus of one atom is attracted to valence electrons of another atom. Both the atoms share the valence electrons between them. The main reason for the formation of covalent bonding is comparable electronegativity values as both are non-metals.

Conclusion

In nitrogen dioxide there is molecular covalent bond because nitrogen and oxygen are gases and nonmetals.