Question

which statement best explains why a metal atom and a nonmetal atom are most likely to form an ionic bond? metal atoms have low ionization energy, and nonmetal atoms have high electronegativity, so electrons transfer easily from the nonmetal atom to the metal atom. metal atoms have low ionization energy, and nonmetal atoms have high electronegativity, so electrons transfer easily from the metal atom to the nonmetal atom. metal atoms have high ionization energy, and nonmetal atoms have low electronegativity, so electrons transfer easily from the nonmetal atom to the metal atom. metal atoms have high ionization energy, and nonmetal atoms have low electronegativity, so electrons transfer easily from the metal atom to the nonmetal atom.

Explanation:

Ionization energy is the energy to remove an electron from an atom. Metals have low ionization energy, meaning they can lose electrons easily. Non - metals have high electronegativity, which is the ability to attract electrons. So, in an ionic bond formation, electrons transfer from metal (low ionization energy) to non - metal (high electronegativity).

Answer:

Metal atoms have low ionization energy, and nonmetal atoms have high electronegativity, so electrons transfer easily from the metal atom to the nonmetal atom.