Question

which of the following can easily form an ionic bond with a cation?
sr
ne
nh₄⁺
po₄³-

Explanation:

Ionic bonds form between cations (positively - charged ions) and anions (negatively - charged ions).

• Sr is a neutral atom. It can lose electrons to form a cation, but it cannot form an ionic bond with another cation.
• Ne is a noble gas with a full valence shell. It is chemically inert and does not form ions easily, let alone ionic bonds with cations.
• \(NH_{4}^{+}\) is a cation. Cations do not form ionic bonds with other cations.
• \(PO_{4}^{3 -}\) is an anion (negatively - charged ion). Anions can form ionic bonds with cations.

Answer:

\(PO_{4}^{3 -}\)