The nonmetal that an ion of Ca²⁺ (calcium ion) would most likely ionically bond with in a 1:1 ratio is:
D one atom of fluorine.
Calcium has a +2 charge, and fluorine has a -1 charge. For ionically bonding in a 1:1 ratio, you would need two fluorine atoms (to balance the +2 charge of one calcium ion), so the correct answer would ideally require 2 fluorine for 1 calcium. However, since fluorine can form -1 charge, and needs only one of its own to balance, it makes the most intuitive sense to balance out with the closest nonmetal.
But, if considering the question strictly about the available options, the answer would be C one atom of oxygen, because Oxygen has a -2 charge and would perfectly balance out with a single Ca²⁺ without requiring multiple ions.
Overall, the answer is more dependent on the necessity of balancing charges given the context of 1:1 ratio—leading hence to adjustment in understanding the intention of responses leading to oxygen.
1 answer