Question

Which of the following pairs will form the most stable ionic bond?
(A) \[Na\] and \[Cl\]
(B) \[Mg\] and \[F\]
(C) \[Li\] and \[F\]
(D) \[Na\]and \[F\]

Answer 1

Hint: An ionic bond is a bond that was formed by a transfer of electrons from one atom to another atom. Generally, the strength of the ionic bond depends upon the lattice energy. Higher is the charge of the cation and higher is the electronegativity of an anion, then stronger will be the ionic bond.

Complete Step by Step Solution:
The periodic table consists of the chemical elements arranged in the increasing order of atomic masses. These elements are arranged in the vertical columns known as groups and the horizontal rows known as periods. The elements in the group \[I\] and group \[II\]are metals as they can easily lose electrons. The elements sodium\[(Na)\], Magnesium\[(Mg)\], and Lithium \[(Li)\] are metals and can exist as cations. Out of these three elements, Magnesium can exist as \[M{g^{ + 2}}\]. Whereas, Lithium and Sodium can exist as \[L{i^ + }\]and \[N{a^ + }\].

Halogens are the chemical elements that belong to a group \[VII\] and are the most electronegative elements. Fluorine is the highest electronegative element in halogens.

Hence, the elements Magnesium and Fluorine combine to form Magnesium Fluoride, which is the most stable ionic bond.
Option b is the correct answer.

Note: An ionic bond is formed by the transfer of electrons, its strength depends upon both cation and anion. Always a cation should be able to donate electrons easily. Whereas, anion should be able to pull the electrons towards itself from the element with metallic nature.