Question

a lithium atom has three electrons.A fluorine has 9 protons and 9 electrons,with 7 electrons in its outer energy level.Using a diagram,explain how an atom of lithium an an atom of fluorine combine by ionic bonding

Answer 1

The lithium atom has one electron in its outer shell, so it loses that one electron and becomes a
`Li^(1+)` ion. The fluorine atom has 7 electrons in its outer shell so it gains that one electron and becomes a
`F^(1-)` ion. The electrostatic force of attraction between the two ions, because of their charges, bonds them together in an ionic bond to make
`LiF`, Lithium Fluoride.

Couldn't add a diagram, but hope it helps.

Answer 2

The lithium atom provides the fluorine atom with one electron making both atoms stable. Fluorine has a better positive charge than lithium so fluorine will attract the electron. Now, the atoms fuse together to form an ionic bond and making lithium fluoride. Ionic bonds are caused by the attraction between two forces of atoms.