Group 1 elements have an average electronegativity of 0.84 (not including hydrogen). Group 17 elements have an average electronegativity of 2.99. These two groups often form bonds. Given this information, which kind of bond will they likely form (ionic or covalent), and what evidence supports your claim? If it is ionic, then include which group gives up its electron to the other group. In three to five sentences, explain your reasoning.
Given the large difference in electronegativity between Group 1 and Group 17 elements, it is likely that they will form an ionic bond. Group 1 elements have an electronegativity of 0.84, while Group 17 elements have an electronegativity of 2.99. This difference of 2.15 is greater than the 1.7 difference that is typically used to distinguish between ionic and covalent bonds. Additionally, Group 1 elements are metals, which are known to form ionic bonds, while Group 17 elements are nonmetals, which are known to form covalent bonds. Therefore, it is likely that Group 1 will give up its electron to Group 17, forming an ionic bond.
