Chapter 18, Problem 6STP

To determine

Anelement that is least likely to form an ionic bond with sodium.

Answer to Problem 6STP

The correct option is (D).

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

All those elements of the periodic table can form a bond that has incomplete shells. As they either lose or gain the electron to complete their outermost shell and form bonds.

Sodium atom belongs to group 1 and it has 1 valence electron. Therefore, its oxidation number is 1+.

Since all the elements from the diagram of the periodic table have incomplete shells except group 18. Therefore, all the elements can form a bond with sodium except the element of 18 groups. The members of group 18 have their outermost shell incomplete as they don’t have any tendency to lose or gain an electron. Hence, elements of this group don’t form a compound with any other element.

The elements of group 18 are helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon.

Thus, argon is likely to form an ionic compound with sodium as it belongs to the 18 group which is already in stable form.

Conclusion:

Hence, argon have least chance toform an ionic compound with sodium.