# Number of possible covalent bonds

by Soilwork
Tags: bonds, covalent, number
 P: 87 1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data Determine the number of covalent bonds that are possible for atoms of the following elements: silicon, bromine, nitrogen, sulphur and neon 3. The attempt at a solution OK so I know that you can find the number of possible covalent bonds by considering the electron configuration of these elements. So since you know the number of valence electrons you can determine the number of possible bonds. From this I get 4, 1, 3, 2 and 0 (in order). Now if you consider the valencies of the ions $$B^-, N^3^-, S^2^-$$ you will end up with the same number of possible covalent bonds. However, I didn't think that you could use the valencies of ions because aren't ions just atoms that have lost or gained electrons. I mean I swear you can have $$O^-, O^2^-$$ ions. Which ion valence would you use then? So am I wrong? Can you actually use the valence of ions to determine the number of possible covalent bonds as well as the electron configuration of the element???