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Group 1 elements have an average electronegativity of 0.84 (not including hydrogen), and Group 17 elements have an average electronegativity of 2.99. These two groups often form bonds with each other. Based on the electronegativity values provided, which type of bond will they likely form (ionic or covalent), and what evidence supports your claim? What do the electronegativities for each group tell you about the electrons?


A. Covalent bond, because the difference in electronegativity between the two groups suggests they will share electrons unequally.
B. Ionic bond, because both groups have very high electronegativities, so they will share electrons.
C. Covalent bond , because the small difference in electronegativity means the electrons will be shared equally between Group 1 and Group 17 elements.
D. Ionic bond, because the large difference in electronegativity between the two groups suggests that electrons will be transferred from Group 1 to Group 17.

1 answer

The correct answer is:

D. Ionic bond, because the large difference in electronegativity between the two groups suggests that electrons will be transferred from Group 1 to Group 17.

Explanation:

  1. Electronegativity Values:

    • Group 1 elements (alkali metals) have an average electronegativity of 0.84.
    • Group 17 elements (halogens) have an average electronegativity of 2.99.

  2. Difference in Electronegativity:

    • The difference in electronegativity between Group 1 and Group 17 elements is 2.99 - 0.84 = 2.15.
    • A difference greater than approximately 1.7 typically indicates that the bond formed is ionic rather than covalent.

  3. Behavior of Electrons:

    • Group 1 elements tend to lose one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration (like the nearest noble gas), resulting in positively charged ions.
    • Group 17 elements tend to gain one electron to attain a full outer shell, forming negatively charged ions.
    • The significant electronegativity difference means that the Group 1 element will effectively transfer its outer electron to the Group 17 element, resulting in the formation of an ionic bond.

Given this information, the conclusion that the bond formed will be ionic due to the transfer of electrons is well-supported.