Question

Explain the process of ionic bond formation between K (potassium, a metal) and Br (bromine, a nonmetal).

Answer 1

Potassium belongs to group IA of the elements. This means that it will give up one of its electrons to form the cation K+. Opposite to that is bromine in which it accepts one electrons to form the anion Br-. The binding of these elements will form KBr and is formed from transfer of electron from one element to the other. This is the mechanism of ionic bond formation.

Answer 2

ANSWER ON ED: K donates, or transfers, one electron to bromine, which has 7 electrons. Both K and Br are now stable with 8 electrons. K becomes a positive ion and Br becomes a negative ion. The positive K ion and the negative Br ion attract each other to form an ionic bond.