1) Which of the following pair of elements would form an ionic bond?
a) N and F c) Mg and Cl
b) Ca and Li d) O and O
Answer (1)
Answer:The correct answer is (c) Mg and Cl.Here's why:Ionic Bonds: Ionic bonds form between elements that have a large difference in electronegativity. Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract electrons. Metals tend to have low electronegativity, while nonmetals have high electronegativity. Let's analyze each option:(a) N and F: Both nitrogen (N) and fluorine (F) are nonmetals, and their electronegativity difference isn't large enough to form a strongly ionic bond. They would likely form a covalent bond.(b) Ca and Li: Both calcium (Ca) and lithium (Li) are metals. They would likely form a metallic bond, not an ionic bond.(c) Mg and Cl: Magnesium (Mg) is a metal with a low electronegativity, and chlorine (Cl) is a nonmetal with a high electronegativity. The large difference in electronegativity leads to the formation of an ionic bond. Magnesium would lose electrons to become a positively charged ion (Mg²⁺), and chlorine would gain electrons to become a negatively charged ion (Cl⁻). These oppositely charged ions would then attract each other, forming an ionic bond.(d) O and O: Oxygen (O) is a nonmetal. When two oxygen atoms bond, they share electrons, forming a covalent bond. Key Knowledge:Electronegativity: A measure of an atom's ability to attract electrons in a chemical bond.Ionic Bonds: Form when a metal loses electrons to a nonmetal, creating oppositely charged ions that attract each other.
