Question

The electronic configurations of three elements X, Y and Z are as follows:

X	2, 4
Y	2, 7
Z	2, 1

1. Which two elements will combine to form an ionic compound?
2. Which two elements will react to form a covalent compound?

Give reasons for your choice.

Answer 1

1. Elements Y and Z combine to form an ionic compound by transfer of one electron from Z to Y.
2. Elements X and Y will react to form a covalent compound because atom X can react with 4 atoms of Y to share one electron.