The diagram below shows the arrangement of electrons around the nucleus of a fluorine and a potassium atom. What kind of bond do you think would form between these two atoms?
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the number of valence electrons in each atom. Fluorine has 7 valence electrons, and potassium has 1 valence electron.
Determine the tendency of each atom to gain or lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. Fluorine tends to gain 1 electron to complete its outer shell, while potassium tends to lose 1 electron to achieve a stable configuration.
Consider the type of bond that forms when one atom loses an electron and another atom gains an electron. This is typically an ionic bond.
Describe the process of ionic bond formation. Potassium will lose its one valence electron, becoming a positively charged ion (K+), and fluorine will gain that electron, becoming a negatively charged ion (F-).
Conclude that the electrostatic attraction between the positively charged potassium ion and the negatively charged fluorine ion results in the formation of an ionic bond.
Recommended similar problem, with video answer:
Verified Solution
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above