select the correct answer. which pair of elements can form ionic bonds? a. copper (cu) and nitrogen (n) b…

select the correct answer. which pair of elements can form ionic bonds? a. copper (cu) and nitrogen (n) b. gallium (ga) and phosphorus (p) c. hydrogen (h) and sulfur (s) d. phosphorus (p) and fluorine (f) e. potassium (k) and bromine (br)

select the correct answer. which pair of elements can form ionic bonds? a. copper (cu) and nitrogen (n) b. gallium (ga) and phosphorus (p) c. hydrogen (h) and sulfur (s) d. phosphorus (p) and fluorine (f) e. potassium (k) and bromine (br)

Answer

Answer:

E. potassium (K) and bromine (Br)

Explanation:

Step1: Recall ionic - bond concept

Ionic bonds form between a metal and a non - metal with a large electronegativity difference.

Step2: Analyze option A

Copper (Cu) is a metal and nitrogen (N) is a non - metal, but their electronegativity difference is not large enough for a typical ionic bond.

Step3: Analyze option B

Gallium (Ga) is a metal and phosphorus (P) is a non - metal, but they usually form covalent compounds due to electronegativity.

Step4: Analyze option C

Hydrogen (H) and sulfur (S) are non - metals and form covalent bonds.

Step5: Analyze option D

Phosphorus (P) and fluorine (F) are non - metals and form covalent bonds.

Step6: Analyze option E

Potassium (K) is a metal and bromine (Br) is a non - metal. Potassium is highly electropositive and bromine is highly electronegative, and they form an ionic bond.