35 Which element reacts with oxygen to form ionic bonds?(1) calcium (3) chlorine

(2) hydrogen (4) nitrogen

Verified Answer :


Covalent bonds exist between two nonmetal elements while ionic bonds exist between a metal and a nonmetal element. In this case, oxygen is a nonmetal and in order to create an ionic bond, the other substance should be a metal. The answer therefore to this problem is calcium. 

\(\boxed{\left( 1 \right){\text{ calcium}}}\) reacts with oxygen to form ionic bonds.


Further Explanation:

Covalent bonds are the types of bonds that involve the sharing of electrons between the bonded atoms. This bond is usually formed between two or more non-metals.


Ionic bonds are the chemical bonds that involve the transference of electrons from one atom to another. These bonds are generally formed between metals and non-metals. In these types of bonds, ions are formed by the atoms. Cations are formed by the loss of electrons and anions result from the gain of electrons.


Oxygen is a non-metal. In order to form an ionic bond with oxygen, the other element has to be a metal.


Hydrogen, chlorine, and nitrogen are non-metals so these can form covalent bonds with oxygen. But calcium is a metal and it forms ionic bonds with oxygen. Calcium loses two electrons to form \({\text{C}}{{\text{a}}^{2 + }}\) and these electrons are gained by oxygen, resulting in the formation of \({{\text{O}}^{2 - }}\). The attraction between \({\text{C}}{{\text{a}}^{2 + }}\) and \({{\text{O}}^{2 - }}\) is an ionic bond and the resulting compound is CaO (For structure, refer to the attached image).


Learn more:

  1. Identification of ionic bonding: https://brainly.com/question/1603987
  2. What type of bond exists between phosphorus and chlorine? https://brainly.com/question/81715


Answer details:

Grade: High School

Chapter: Ionic and covalent compounds

Subject: Chemistry


Keywords: ionic bond, covalent bond, nitrogen, hydrogen, chlorine, calcium, oxygen, CaO, metal, non-metal.

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