Question

1. look at each of the following pairs of elements. predict whether each pair would form ionic bonds. explain your reasoning. (a) mg, o (b) zn, cl (c) c, f (d) h, f

Explanation:

Step1: Recall ionic - bond formation

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

Step2: Analyze pair (a) Mg, O

Mg is a metal (alkaline earth metal) and O is a non - metal (chalcogen). Mg can lose 2 electrons to form $Mg^{2 + }$ and O can gain 2 electrons to form $O^{2-}$. So, they form an ionic bond.

Step3: Analyze pair (b) Zn, Cl

Zn is a metal and Cl is a non - metal. Zn can lose 2 electrons to form $Zn^{2+}$ and Cl can gain 1 electron to form $Cl^{-}$. They form an ionic bond.

Step4: Analyze pair (c) C, F

C and F are both non - metals. They will share electrons to form covalent bonds rather than forming an ionic bond.

Step5: Analyze pair (d) H, F

H is a non - metal and F is a non - metal. They will share electrons to form a covalent bond.

Answer:

(a) Yes, because Mg is a metal and O is a non - metal.
(b) Yes, because Zn is a metal and Cl is a non - metal.
(c) No, because both C and F are non - metals.
(d) No, because both H and F are non - metals.