Which of the following characteristics of elements is the most suitable for ionic bond formation?
Significant difference in ionization energy
Explanation for the correct option:
Ionic bond is formed between two types of ions in which the metal ion is the cation and the non-metal ion is the anion.
(A) Significant difference in ionization energy: Ionic bonds are when the ions have a large difference in the ionization energy because the metals have low ionization energy and the non-metals have high ionization energy. Metals with low ionization energy lose electrons rapidly and produce cations. Non-metal with a high electron affinity can receive an electron and create an anion.
Explanation for the incorrect options:
(B) Bigger size of cation and anion: The formation of the ionic bond does not depend on the size of the cation and anion.
(C) Smaller size of cation and anion: The formation of the ionic bond does not depend on the size of the cation and anion.
(D) Less difference in number of valence electrons: For the formation of the ionic bond, there must be a large difference in the electrons present in the valence shell. For example, in Sodium chloride () the valence electrons in Sodium () is 1 and the valence electrons in Chlorine () are 7. The difference in the valence electrons of Sodium and Chlorine is high.
Therefore, the correct option is (A).