Question

An element ‘A’ has two electrons in the outermost shell of its atom and combines with an element ‘B’ having seven electrons in the outermost shell, forming the compound AB₂. The compound when dissolved in water conducts electric current. Giving reasons, state the nature of chemical bond in the compound.

Answer 1

Compound AB₂ is ionic in nature. Atom A has two electrons in its outermost shell, and atom B needs one electron to complete its octet. Atom A transfers its two electrons to two atoms of B (one electron to each atom of B) and gets stabilised by forming ionic bonds. When dissolved in water, the ions of this ionic compound separate and conduct electricity in the solution.