Final answer:
Among the given pairs, the one most likely to form an ionic compound is O and Zn, as they consist of a metal (Zn) and a nonmetal (O), which can form the ionic compound ZnO.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine which of the following pairs of elements would be most likely to form an ionic compound, we need to consider the nature of ionic bonding.
Ionic compounds typically form between metals and nonmetals where the metal loses electrons to become a positively charged ion (cation), and the nonmetal gains electrons to become a negatively charged ion (anion).
- C and O: Both are nonmetals, so they are unlikely to form an ionic compound.
- O and Zn: Zinc (Zn) is a metal and oxygen (O) is a nonmetal, so they can form an ionic compound, likely ZnO.
- None of those: Not applicable since O and Zn can form an ionic bond.
- Cu and K: Both are metals, so they will not form an ionic compound.
- Al and Rb: Both are metals, hence they also would not typically form an ionic compound.
The pair that would most likely form an ionic compound is O and Zn, as they consist of a metal and nonmetal.