The central atom which may not follow the octet rule while forming a covalent bond:

Correct answer: C. P

  • A. C
  • B. O
  • C. P
  • D. F

Explanation

Phosphorus (P) is in the third period of the periodic table, which means it has access to empty 3d orbitals. This allows it to accommodate more than eight electrons in its valence shell, forming an "expanded octet" in compounds like PCl₅.

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Chemical bonding explains molecular shape through VSEPR theory and distinguishes sigma bonds from pi bonds. Questions involve hybridization, bond angles, dipole moment and bond energy, including how electron-pair repulsion determines geometry and how bond polarity differs from the overall polarity of a molecule.

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