Question

What type of chemical bond would form between an atom of lithium (Li) and an atom of chlorine (Cl). Explain specifically why this type of bond would form.

Answer 1

Explanation:

• When a bond is formed by transfer of electrons from one atom to another then it results in the formation of an ionic bond.

An ionic bond is generally formed by a metal and a non-metal.

For example, lithium is an alkali metal with atomic number 3 and its electronic distribution is 2, 1.

And, chlorine is a non-metal with atomic number 17 and its electronic distribution is 2, 8, 7.

So, in order to complete their octet lithium needs to lose an electron and chlorine needs to gain an electron.

Hence, both of then on chemically combining together results in the formation of an ionic compound that is, lithium chloride (LiCl).

An ionic compound is formed by LiCl because lithium has donated its valence electron to the chlorine atom.  

• On the other hand, if a bond is formed by sharing of electrons between the two chemically combining atoms then it is known as a covalent bond.

For example, $O_{2}$ is a covalent compound as electrons are being shared by each oxygen atom.