To determine which pair of elements can form ionic bonds, we need to recognize the nature of the elements involved. Ionic bonds typically form between metals and non-metals, where the metal donates one or more electrons to the non-metal, resulting in positively charged cations and negatively charged anions which are attracted to each other.
Examining each pair:
A. Copper (Cu) and Nitrogen (N)
- Copper is a metal, and nitrogen is a non-metal. In some cases, Cu can form ionic compounds, but more often with elements where the electron transfer is more favorable.
B. Gallium (Ga) and Phosphorus (P)
- Gallium is a metal, and phosphorus is a non-metal. Gallium often forms covalent bonds rather than ionic bonds.
C. Hydrogen (H) and Sulfur (S)
- Hydrogen is a non-metal (though it can act like a metal under certain conditions), and sulfur is a non-metal. Typically, they form covalent rather than ionic bonds.
D. Phosphorus (P) and Fluorine (F)
- Both phosphorus and fluorine are non-metals. They tend to form covalent bonds with each other rather than ionic bonds.
E. Potassium (K) and Bromine (Br)
- Potassium is a metal, and bromine is a non-metal. Potassium readily loses one electron to form a K+ cation, and bromine accepts one electron to form a Br- anion. This electron transfer creates an ionic bond between potassium and bromine.
Based on the above reasoning, the pair that can form ionic bonds is:
- Potassium (K) and Bromine (Br)
Thus, the correct answer is:
E. Potassium (K) and Bromine (Br)
