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Multiple Choice
Which pair of elements can form an ionic compound?
A
Na and Cl
B
S and O
C
O and N
D
C and H
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that ionic compounds are formed between metals and nonmetals due to the transfer of electrons, resulting in positive and negative ions that attract each other.
Identify the elements in each pair and determine whether they are metals or nonmetals. Sodium (Na) is a metal, chlorine (Cl) is a nonmetal; sulfur (S), oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), carbon (C), and hydrogen (H) are all nonmetals.
Recall that metals tend to lose electrons to form cations, while nonmetals tend to gain electrons to form anions, which is the basis for ionic bonding.
Analyze each pair: Na (metal) and Cl (nonmetal) can form an ionic bond; pairs like S and O, O and N, or C and H involve only nonmetals and typically form covalent bonds instead.
Conclude that the pair Na and Cl can form an ionic compound because it involves a metal and a nonmetal, allowing electron transfer and ionic bond formation.