The electronegativity is 2.1 for H and 1.8 for Si.Based on these electronegativities,SiH₄ would be expected to A)be ionic and contain H^- ions. B)be ionic and contain H⁺ ions. C)have polar covalent bonds with a partial negative charges on the H atoms. D)have polar covalent bonds with a partial positive charges on the H atoms.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electronegativity difference between H and Si is 0.3, which is relatively small, indicating a polar covalent bond with a partial negative charge on the H atoms. The compound is not expected to be ionic because the electronegativity difference between H and Si is less than 1.7, which is the threshold for the formation of ionic bonds. Therefore, choices A and B can be eliminated. Since the difference in electronegativity is not large enough to result in a full transfer of electrons, the compound is expected to have covalent bonds, and not contain ions.

The Electronegativity Is 2