What type of bond is formed when lithium and fluorine reacts? Explain. (Atomic numbers [tex]$Li = 3$[/tex] and [tex]$F = 9$[/tex])
Answer (2)
Lithium (Li) has 1 valence electron and Fluorine (F) has 7 valence electrons.
Lithium loses 1 electron to form L i + and Fluorine gains 1 electron to form F − .
The electrostatic attraction between L i + and F − forms an ionic bond.
The type of bond formed is an ionic bond i o ni c b o n d .
Explanation
Problem Analysis We are asked to determine the type of chemical bond formed between lithium (Li) and fluorine (F), given their atomic numbers. We need to explain how this bond forms.
Electronic Configuration Lithium (Li) has an atomic number of 3, so its electronic configuration is 2, 1. This means it has one valence electron. Fluorine (F) has an atomic number of 9, so its electronic configuration is 2, 7. This means it has seven valence electrons.
Ion Formation Lithium tends to lose one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration like helium (2 electrons in the outermost shell). By losing one electron, it forms a positive ion, L i + .
Fluorine tends to gain one electron to achieve a stable octet configuration (8 electrons in the outermost shell). By gaining one electron, it forms a negative ion, F − .
Bond Formation Since lithium loses an electron and fluorine gains an electron, there is a transfer of electrons from lithium to fluorine. The resulting ions, L i + and F − , are held together by electrostatic attraction. This type of bond formed by the transfer of electrons and electrostatic attraction is called an ionic bond.
Conclusion Therefore, the type of bond formed when lithium and fluorine react is an ionic bond.
Examples
Ionic bonds are prevalent in everyday life. Table salt, or sodium chloride (NaCl), is a classic example of an ionic compound. The strong electrostatic attraction between sodium and chloride ions gives salt its crystalline structure and high melting point. Similarly, many minerals and ceramics owe their properties to ionic bonds, making them strong and durable materials. Understanding ionic bonds helps us design new materials with specific properties for various applications.
The reaction between lithium and fluorine results in the formation of an ionic bond. This occurs because lithium loses an electron to become a positively charged ion ( L i + ) while fluorine gains an electron to become a negatively charged ion ( F − ), leading to electrostatic attraction between the two ions. Therefore, the bond formed is classified as an ionic bond.
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