Question

Which pair of elements can form an ionic compound? A) Two atoms of hydrogen B) One atom of sodium and one atom of fluorine C) One atom of calcium and one atom of chlorine D) Two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen

Answer 1

The answer would be B. One atom of sodium and one atom of fluorine

Answer 2

The correct option is B) One atom of sodium and one atom of fluorine.

Step-by-step explanation:

An ionic bond is produced between metallic and non-metallic atoms, where electrons are completely transferred from one atom to another. During this process, one atom loses electrons and another one gains them, forming ions. Usually, the metal gives up its electrons forming a cation to the nonmetal element, which forms an anion. In this way, the octet rule is fulfilled, which establishes that the atoms of the elements bind each other in the attempt to complete their valence layer, leaving the atom stable with 8 electrons in its last layer.

Given this, the correct option is option B). Sodium is a metal forming the cation and fluorine is a nonmetal, then it will form the anion.