Question

Which of the following are likely to form an ionic bond?

Silicon and oxygen
Oxygen and oxygen
Carbon and hydrogen
Magnesium and oxygen

Answer 1

Magnesium and Oxygen are likely to form an Ionic bond.

Answer 2

Magnesium and Oxygen

Step-by-step explanation:

By looking at the periodic table, you should see the electronegativity value of each element, this value detemines how each element 'wants' electron and higher electronegative elements tends to take more of electron density away from lower electronegative elements when they are forming bonds. Thus, the greater the difference in electronegativity, the more likely the bond is ionic

Let's look at the options (ΔEN stands for electronegativity difference)

1. Si and O: ΔEN = 1.54
2. O and O: ΔEN = 0
3. C and H: ΔEN = 0.35
4. Mg and O: ΔEN = 2.13

So, the elements most likely to form ionic bond would be Magnesium and Oxygen