Question

lithium is a metal with an ionic charge of 1+ and oxygen is a nonmetal with an ionic charge of 2-. which is the best explanation for why the correct chemical formula is li₂o?

○ no answer text provided.

○ oxygen needs two electrons to complete its valence shell. lithium has one electron it can donate to allow it to have a stable valence shell. one oxygen atom will take the donated electron from two lithium atoms.

○ oxygen can lose two electrons to complete its valence shell. lithium has one electron it can add to allow it to have a stable valence shell. one oxygen atom will donate one electron each to two lithium atoms.

○ metals can only react wtih other metals and nonmetals can only react with other nonmetals, so the chemical formula does not exist.

Explanation:

1. Analyze the first option: It states oxygen needs two electrons (since it has a 2 - charge, it gains electrons) and lithium (1 + charge, donates 1 electron each). So one O (needs 2 e⁻) would take 1 e⁻ from two Li atoms. This matches the ionic bonding logic for \(Li_2O\) (2 Li⁺ and 1 O²⁻ to balance charges).
2. Analyze the second option: Oxygen is a non - metal and should gain electrons, not lose them. So this option is incorrect.
3. Analyze the third option: Metals and non - metals can react (ionic bonding), so this statement is wrong.
4. The "No answer text provided" option is not a valid explanation.

Answer:

Oxygen needs two electrons to complete its valence shell. Lithium has one electron it can donate to allow it to have a stable valence shell. One oxygen atom will take the donated electron from two lithium atoms.