3
QuizMultiple Choice

Chemical Bonding

Question 3 • AA-F26 Physical Science

When sodium atoms (Na) and chlorine atoms (Cl) join to make sodium chloride, or table salt, they form an ionic bond. Using this information, which pair of elements is most likely to form an ionic bond?

Answer
A
potassium (K) and fluorine (F)
B
aluminum (Al) and aluminum (Al)
C
sulfur (S) and oxygen (O)
D
calcium (Ca) and neon (Ne)

Explanation

Ionic bonds most often form between a metal and a nonmetal: the metal transfers electrons to the nonmetal. Potassium is a metal and fluorine is a nonmetal, so they are most likely to form an ionic bond. Aluminum and aluminum are both metals, sulfur and oxygen are both nonmetals, and neon is largely unreactive.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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