Question

Which of the following elements will form an ionic bond?

Answer 1

a
S and F
b
K and Br
c
Na and Ba
d
P and O

Answer 2

To determine which elements will form an ionic bond, we need to consider their electronegativity values. Ionic bonds typically form when there is a large difference in electronegativity between two atoms. Here are the elements with their respective electronegativity values (according to the Pauling scale):

- Hydrogen (H): 2.20
- Chlorine (Cl): 3.16
- Oxygen (O): 3.44
- Sodium (Na): 0.93

Based on these values, the element that is most likely to form an ionic bond is:

- Sodium (Na)

With its low electronegativity, sodium tends to lose an electron and form a positive ion. It can then bond with a negatively charged ion, such as chlorine, oxygen, or hydrogen, to form an ionic compound.

Answer 3

a. Sulfur (S) and Fluorine (F) will form an ionic bond. Sulfur has an electronegativity of 2.58, while fluorine has an electronegativity of 3.98. Since there is a significant difference in their electronegativity values, sulfur will lose electrons to fluorine and form a positive ion (S2+) and a negative ion (F-), resulting in an ionic bond.

b. Potassium (K) and Bromine (Br) will not form an ionic bond. Potassium has an electronegativity of 0.82, while bromine has an electronegativity of 2.96. The difference in their electronegativity is not large enough for an ionic bond to form. Instead, they are more likely to form a covalent bond.

c. Sodium (Na) and Barium (Ba) will not form an ionic bond. Sodium has an electronegativity of 0.93, while barium has an electronegativity of 0.89. Since the electronegativity values are similar, an ionic bond is less likely to form. Like potassium and bromine, sodium and barium are also more likely to form a covalent bond.

d. Phosphorus (P) and Oxygen (O) will form an ionic bond. Phosphorus has an electronegativity of 2.19, while oxygen has an electronegativity of 3.44. The difference in their electronegativity values is significant, so phosphorus will lose electrons to oxygen and form a positive ion (P3+) and a negative ion (O2-), resulting in an ionic bond.