Which of the following pairs of elements will not form ionic compounds?

Question

Which of the following pairs of elements will not form ionic compounds?

a. Sulfur and Oxygen
b. Sodium and Calcium
c. Sodium and Sulfur
d. Oxygen and Chlorine

Could you please explain this to me? I'm having trouble understanding this thing. Thanks.

Answer 1

ani ionic compound is usually formed between a metal and non metal.
therefore

A, will not be ionic as they are two non metals, they both need electrons and it would be too much energy to loose 6 electrons.

B, will not as they are both metals, they will both loose electrons readily and would both be positive ions. Na would loose one electron (making it Na+) and Ca would loose two electrons (making it Ca2+)

C will

D read the same as for A.

hope this helped x

Answer 2

A,B and D.
There is stability when an atom gives up, or grabs, 1or2 electrons from/to another. This creates a positive Ion and a negative Ion.Therefore a pair of atoms can form an ionic compound when they are opposite in nature.
(A). Sulphur and Oxygen could form a compound with both elements Charged,O --2, S+4, but it is classed as an acid, and is not Stable. Ionic compounds are generally stable.
(c) Will form an ionic compound. Na+1,[2], S--2,[1]
Thats two sodiums, (charge+1) and 1 sulphur (charge minus two)

Answer 3

a. and d.

Those pairs are in the same part of the periodic table, so they will share rather than accept/donate electrons.

The other pairs are metals ands nonmetals in different parts of the periodic table, so...

Answer 4

a and d.

Ionic bonds are formed between metals and non metals.

Covalent bonds are formed between 2 atoms of non metals.

Answer 5

b. both form cations
and
d. both form anions.

Answer 6

i think its a, b, and d