Question

Which best describes the bond that would form between lithium (Li) and fluorine (F)?

They form a covalent bond by exchanging four electrons.
They form a covalent bond by sharing three electrons.
They form an ionic bond by exchanging four electrons.
They form an ionic bond by exchanging one electron.

Answer 1

they form an ionic bond by exchanging one electron

Answer 2

Answer: The correct answer is they form an ionic bond by exchanging an electron.

Step-by-step explanation: There are 2 types of bond that can be formed between the elements.

1. Ionic bond: These bonds are formed when there is a complete transfer of electrons from one element to another. The element which donates an electron is a n electropositive element and an element which accepts an electrons is an electronegative element.

2. Covalent bond: These bonds are formed when there is sharing of electrons between two elements.

Lithium is the 3rd-element of the periodic table having electronic configuration:
`1s^22s^1`

This element can easily loose 1 electron.

Fluorine is the 9th-element of the periodic table having electronic configuration:
`1s^22s^22p^5`

This element can easily accept 1 electron.

Hence, these elements form ionic bond because there is complete transfer of electrons from lithium to fluorine. As, only 1 electron is getting transferred from lithium to fluorine. Therefore, the correct answer is they form an ionic bond by exchanging an electron.