Question

Which pair of elements is MOST likely to chemically combine and form ionic bonds?. A). chlorine and chlorine. B). lithium and chlorine. C). carbon and hydrogen. D). sulfur and oxygen

Answer 1

The pair of elements that will most likely combine chemically to form ionic bonds are B. Lithium and Chlorine.

Answer 2

Answer: B). lithium and chlorine

Explanation: An ionic bond is formed between a metal and a non-metal by transfer of electrons from metal to non metal.

Electronic configuration of lithium:

$[Li]:31s^22s^1$

Lithium atom will loose one electron to gain noble gas configuration and form lithium cation with +1 charge.

$[Li^+]=1s^22s^2$

Chlorine atom has oxidation number of -1.

Electronic configuration of chlorine;

$[Cl]=1s^22s^22p^63s^23p^5$

Chlorine atom will gain one electron to gain noble gas configuration and form chloride ion with -1 charge.

$[Cl^-]=1s^22s^22p^63s^23p^6$

$Li^+$ combine with $Cl^-$ to form lithium chloride $(LiCl)$