Explaining Ionic Bond Formation
Explain the process of ionic bond formation between K (potassium, a metal) and Br (bromine, a nonmetal).

Question

Explaining Ionic Bond Formation
Explain the process of ionic bond formation between K (potassium, a metal) and Br (bromine, a nonmetal).

osprey · Answer

K has one electron in an open shell (which makes it VERY reactive metal), Br IS one electron short of a closed shell. So, if K and Br "meet" then K loses that (valence) electron by "donating" it to Br which gains i. So, KBr is formed of K+ and Br- IONS, and their electronic structure is that of two closed shells. Individually, K and Br are both very reactive, as are Na and Cl. However, when ionically "bonded" you put (Na+) (Cl-) on your fish 'n chips, should you eat that dish, of course. http://perendis.webs.com