Question

Combining an alkaline earth metal (X) with a halogen (Y) would result in:

A. The formation of an ionic compound.
B. An inert gas.
C. A covalent bond.
D. A metalloid.

Answer 1

Combining an alkaline earth metal with a halogen would result in the formation of an ionic compound.

Step-by-step explanation:

Combining an alkaline earth metal (X) with a halogen (Y) would result in the formation of an ionic compound.

The halogens, which include elements such as chlorine, bromine, and iodine, have high electronegativity values and tend to gain electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. On the other hand, alkaline earth metals, such as calcium and magnesium, have low electronegativity values and tend to lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.

When an alkaline earth metal combines with a halogen, the alkaline earth metal loses one or two electrons to form a positively charged ion, while the halogen gains one or more electrons to form a negatively charged ion. The attraction between these oppositely charged ions results in the formation of an ionic compound.