Question

Look at each of the following pairs of elements. Would these pairs combine to form ionic bonds? Explain each case. a) Mg, Ob) Zn, Clc) C, Fd) P, Na

Answer 1

a) Mg is a metal. O is a nonmetal, then the bond formed between them will be an ionic bond. Mg will lose 2 electrons and O will gain 2 electrons. As result, we will have MgO (Magnesium oxide)

b) It is similar to a). Zn is metal and Cl es nonmetal, therebefore the bond will be an ionic bond.

Zn loses 2 e- and Cl gains 2e-

(e-) means electron

Then you will obtain ZnCl2

c) C and F are nonmetals so the bond formed between them will be covalent in nature. In Covalent bonds, elements share their electrons instead of tranfer.

d) P and Na. They form an Ionic bond. Na is metal and P is a nonmetal.

As a general rule, you can form ionic bonds with elements from the periodical table with metals from columns one and two (alkaline and alkaline earth) and a nonmetal.