Question

Group 1 elements have an average electronegativity of 0.84 (not including hydrogen). Group 17 elements have an average electronegativity of 2.99. These two groups often form bonds. Given this information, which kind of bond will they likely form (ionic or covalent), and what evidence supports your claim? If it is ionic, then include which group gives up its electron to the other group.

Answer 1

The two groups will likely form an ionic bond, with Group 17 elements giving up their electrons to Group 1 elements. This is supported by the fact that Group 1 elements have an average electronegativity of 0.84, which is much lower than Group 17 elements' average electronegativity of 2.99. This indicates that Group 1 elements are more likely to accept electrons from Group 17 elements, forming an ionic bond.