Question

predict whether a bond between aluminum (al) and fluorine (f) would be ionic or covalent, and justify your answer based on the periodic table.

Explanation:

Ionic bonds form between metals and non - metals. Covalent bonds form between non - metals. Aluminum (Al) is a metal (located in Group 13 of the periodic table). Fluorine (F) is a non - metal (located in Group 17 of the periodic table). The difference in electronegativity between a metal and a non - metal is usually large enough for electron transfer (ionic bond formation).

Answer:

The bond between aluminum (Al) and fluorine (F) is ionic. Aluminum is a metal and fluorine is a non - metal. Metals tend to lose electrons and non - metals tend to gain electrons. In the case of Al and F, Al will lose electrons (to achieve a stable electron configuration, it can lose 3 electrons) and F will gain electrons (F needs 1 electron to complete its octet). This electron transfer results in the formation of \(Al^{3 +}\) and \(F^{-}\) ions, which are held together by electrostatic forces (ionic bond).