Answer
The bond between bromine (Br) and fluorine (F) in bromine trifluoride (BrF₃) is a covalent bond.
Step-by-step explanation:
In bromine trifluoride (BrF₃), the bond between bromine (Br) and fluorine (F) is a covalent bond. Covalent bonds are formed when two atoms share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. In the case of BrF₃, bromine has 7 valence electrons in its outermost shell, while fluorine has 7 valence electrons as well. Both bromine and fluorine require one more electron to achieve a stable noble gas configuration.
To fulfill this electron requirement, bromine shares three of its valence electrons with three fluorine atoms, resulting in the formation of three covalent bonds. Each bond involves the sharing of one electron pair between bromine and each fluorine atom. This sharing of electrons allows both atoms to achieve a more stable configuration, resembling that of a noble gas.
The covalent bond between bromine and fluorine in BrF₃ is a result of the electrostatic attraction between the shared electron pairs and the positively charged nuclei of the atoms. This sharing of electrons creates a molecule in which the electrons are distributed around both the bromine and fluorine atoms, creating a more stable overall structure.
In summary, the covalent bond between bromine and fluorine in bromine trifluoride (BrF₃) is formed through the sharing of electron pairs, allowing both atoms to achieve a more stable electron configuration.