How many covalent bonds are predicted for each atom: (a) f; (b) si; (c) br; (d) o; (e) p; (f) s?

1 for F

4 for Si

1  for Br

2 for O

3 for P

2 for S

Explanation:

Atoms form bonds with other atoms with the purpose of completing their outer energy levels. So a good strategy of predicting how many bonds an atom will form is to first establish how many electrons it needs to complete its valence shell.

F has 7 valence electrons, it needs one more electron to complete its valence shell so it forms one bond

Si has 4 valence electrons, it needs four more so it forms four bonds

O has 6 valence electrons, it needs two more so it forms two bonds  

it is b that is the answer.