Verified Answer :

  • Ionic bonds typically form between metals and non-metals due to electron transfer.
  • K is a metal and Cl is a non-metal, making them likely to form an ionic bond.
  • Other pairs consist of either two metals (K, Ca) or two non-metals (C, O; S, Cl), which form metallic or covalent bonds.
  • The most likely pair to form an ionic bond is \(\boxed{\text{K and Cl}}\).

Explanation

  1. Analyzing Element Pairs and Bonding Characteristics

An ionic bond occurs through the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions, which generally involves the transfer of electrons from a metal (typically having low electronegativity) to a non-metal (typically having high electronegativity). This transfer creates a cation (positive ion) and an anion (negative ion), resulting in a strong bond. We analyze the given element pairs to determine which is most likely to form an ionic bond:

  1. K and Cl: K (Potassium) is a highly reactive Group 1 alkali metal, and Cl (Chlorine) is a highly electronegative Group 17 halogen (non-metal).
  2. K and Ca: K and Ca are both metals. They do not form ionic bonds with each other.
  3. C and O: Both C (Carbon) and O (Oxygen) are non-metals. They typically form covalent bonds by sharing electrons.
  4. S and Cl: Both S (Sulfur) and Cl (Chlorine) are non-metals. They typically form covalent bonds.
  1. Determining the Correct Pair for Ionic Bonding

Considering the requirement for a metal-non-metal combination for an ionic bond, we evaluate the pairs:

  • The pair (K, Cl) consists of a metal (K) and a non-metal (Cl). This pairing facilitates the transfer of an electron from K to Cl, forming \(K^+\) and \(Cl^-\), which are held together by strong electrostatic forces.
  • The pair (K, Ca) consists of two metals, which form metallic bonds.
  • The pairs (C, O) and (S, Cl) both consist of two non-metals, which typically form covalent bonds through electron sharing rather than electron transfer.

Thus, (K, Cl) is the only pair that fits the criteria for ionic bonding.

  1. Conclusion

Based on the analysis, K and Cl form an ionic bond due to the large difference in their electronegativities and their classification as metal and non-metal, respectively. The final answer is K and Cl.

Examples

Ionic bonding is fundamental to the formation of many everyday substances. For example, table salt (sodium chloride, NaCl) is held together by an ionic bond between sodium (a metal) and chlorine (a non-metal). Understanding which elements form ionic bonds helps predict the properties of various compounds, such as their high melting points, brittleness in solid form, and ability to conduct electricity when dissolved in water. This concept is essential in fields ranging from material science to biology, where ions play a critical role in cellular functions.

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