Question

2 mark for review which of the following claims about a binary compound in which the bonding is ionic is most likely to be scientifically valid? a both elements in the compound are metals b the atomic masses of the elements in the compound are relatively small c there is equal sharing of electrons between the atoms of the elements in the compound d the electronegativity difference between the elements in the compound is relatively large.

Explanation:

To determine the valid claim about an ionic binary compound:

• Option A: Ionic compounds typically form between a metal and a non - metal, not two metals (metallic bonding occurs between two metals), so A is incorrect.
• Option B: The atomic masses of elements in an ionic compound (e.g., NaCl with Na atomic mass ~23 and Cl ~35.5, or MgO with Mg ~24 and O ~16) don't have a requirement of being relatively small. There are ionic compounds with elements of large atomic masses (e.g., BaCl₂, Ba has a large atomic mass), so B is incorrect.
• Option C: Equal sharing of electrons is characteristic of non - polar covalent bonding. In ionic bonding, electrons are transferred, not shared equally, so C is incorrect.
• Option D: Ionic bonding occurs when there is a relatively large electronegativity difference between the two elements (usually a metal and a non - metal, where the non - metal has a much higher electronegativity, leading to electron transfer). So D is correct.

Answer:

D. The electronegativity difference between the elements in the compound is relatively large.