Question

A compound has two elements, A and B with electronegativities of 0.8 and 3.0 respectively. If the compound has a formula of A2B, which statement describes the bonding best? Group of answer choices The compound is largely ionic with A as the anion. The AB bond is largely covalent with a δ- on A. The compound is largely ionic with A as the cation. The AB bond is largely covalent with a δ+ on A.

Answer 1

The compound is largely ionic with A as the cation.

Step-by-step explanation:

A chemical bond is usually formed between two or more elements. A chemical bond may be ionic, covalent or polar covalent depending on the electro negativity difference between the atoms in the bond.

A large electro negativity difference usually implies an ionic bond. As a rule, when the electronegativity difference is greater than 2.0, the bond is considered ionic.

For the compound A2B, the electro negativity difference between the two atoms is about 2.2. This implies that A2B must be an ionic compound in which A is the cation and B is the anion.