Question

1. which element when combined with chlorine would most likely form an ionic compound?

a) lithium
b) phosphorus
c) carbon
d) bromine

Explanation:

Identify the nature of ionic bonding

An ionic compound typically forms between a metal (which loses electrons to form a cation) and a nonmetal (which gains electrons to form an anion). Chlorine is a nonmetal.

Classify the given options

• Lithium: Metal (Group 1 alkali metal)
• Phosphorus: Nonmetal (Group 15)
• Carbon: Nonmetal (Group 14)
• Bromine: Nonmetal (Group 17 halogen)

Determine the correct combination

Combining the metal lithium with the nonmetal chlorine results in the ionic compound lithium chloride (\(\text{LiCl}\)). The other options combine nonmetals with chlorine, forming covalent bonds.

Answer:

• (A) lithium (Correct answer)
• (B) phosphorus
• (C) carbon
• (D) bromine