Question

which pair of elements would form an ionic bond?
carbon (c) and oxygen (o)
strontium (sr) and chlorine (cl)
cesium (cs) and germanium (ge)
magnesium (mg) and aluminum (al)

Explanation:

Step1: Recall ionic - bond formation

Ionic bonds form between a metal and a non - metal. Metals tend to lose electrons and non - metals tend to gain electrons.

Step2: Analyze each option

• Carbon (C) and oxygen (O) are both non - metals. They form covalent bonds.
• Strontium (Sr) is a metal (Group 2) and chlorine (Cl) is a non - metal (Group 17). They can form an ionic bond as Sr can lose electrons and Cl can gain electrons.
• Cesium (Cs) is a metal and germanium (Ge) is a semi - metal. They do not typically form an ionic bond.
• Magnesium (Mg) and aluminum (Al) are both metals. They do not form an ionic bond.

Answer:

strontium (Sr) and chlorine (Cl)