Question

which atom is most likely to accept electrons to form an ionic bond?
a mercury ion with a negative 2 charge
a potassium ion with a negative 1 charge
radon, a noble gas with 8 valence electrons
sulfur, a nonmetal with 6 valence electrons

Explanation:

• A mercury ion with a negative 2 charge already has an excess of electrons and is not likely to accept more.
• A potassium ion with a negative 1 charge is not a common state for potassium (potassium usually forms positive ions), and it also has an electron gain already.
• Radon, as a noble gas with 8 valence electrons, has a full valence shell and is very stable, not likely to accept electrons.
• Sulfur, a non - metal with 6 valence electrons, needs 2 more electrons to complete its octet (a stable electron configuration), so it is likely to accept electrons to form an ionic bond.

Answer:

sulfur, a nonmetal with 6 valence electrons