Ionic bonds are typically formed between metals and nonmetals, where one atom donates an electron (usually a metal) and the other atom accepts that electron (usually a nonmetal). To assess the options:
A) Carbon (Period IVA) and Oxygen (Period VIA) - Both carbon and oxygen are nonmetals. They can form covalent bonds but are less likely to form a stable ionic bond.
B) Lithium (Period IA) and Fluorine (Period VIIA) - Lithium is a metal and fluorine is a nonmetal. Lithium can donate one electron, and fluorine can accept that electron, forming a stable ionic bond (LiF).
C) Magnesium (Period IIA) and Iron (Period VIIIB) - Both magnesium and iron are metals. They typically do not form ionic bonds with each other.
D) Potassium (Period IA) and Tin (Period IVA) - Potassium is a metal and tin is a metalloid; however, they typically do not form a stable ionic bond.
Given these assessments, the pair that is most likely to form a stable ionic bond is:
B) Lithium (Period IA) and Fluorine (Period VIIA).
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