Question

An ionic bond $A^{+}{B}^{-}$ is most likely to be formed when:

• A. the ionization energy of A is high and the electron affinity of B is low.
• B. the ionization energy of A is low and the electron affinity of B is high.
• C. the ionization energy of A and the electron affinity of B is high.
• D. the ionization energy of A and the electron affinity of B is low.

Answer 1

The correct option is B the ionization energy of A is low and the electron affinity of B is high.

The ionization energy (IE) is defined as the amount of energy required to remove the most loosely bound electron of an isolated gaseous atom to form a cation. Electron affinity of an atom or molecule is defined as the amount of energy released when an electron is added to a neutral atom or molecule in the gaseous state to form a negative ion. When the ionization energy is low and electron affinity is high, more will be the tendency to form an ionic bond.