Which combination will give the strongest ionic bond?

Options

A. `K^(+) and Cl^(-)`
B. `K^(+) and O^(2-)`
C. `Ca^(2+) and Cl^(-)`
D. `Ca^(2+) and O^(2-)`

Explanation

To determine which combination will give the strongest ionic bond, we need to analyze the charge of the ions involved in each option. The strength of an ionic bond is influenced by the magnitude of the charges on the ions, as described by Coulomb's law, which states that the force of attraction between two charged particles is directly proportional to the product of their charges.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Ionic Bonds**: Ionic bonds are formed between positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions). The strength of these bonds is influenced by the charges of the ions.

2. **Coulomb's Law**: According to Coulomb's law, the force of attraction (and therefore the strength of the ionic bond) is greater when the charges of the ions are higher. The formula for the electrostatic force is given by:
\[ F \propto \frac{q_1 \times q_2}{r^2} \]
where \( q_1 \) and \( q_2 \) are the charges of the ions and \( r \) is the distance between them.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option A**: K\(^+\) and Cl\(^-\)
- Charges: +1 and -1
- Total charge = \(1 \times 1 = 1\)

- **Option B**: K\(^+\) and O\(^{2-}\)
- Charges: +1 and -2
- Total charge = \(1 \times 2 = 2\)

- **Option C**: Ca\(^{2+}\) and Cl\(^-\)
- Charges: +2 and -1
- Total charge = \(2 \times 1 = 2\)

- **Option D**: Ca\(^{2+}\) and O\(^{2-}\)
- Charges: +2 and -2
- Total charge = \(2 \times 2 = 4\)

4. **Comparing the Total Charges**:
- Option A: Total charge = 1
- Option B: Total charge = 2
- Option C: Total charge = 2
- Option D: Total charge = 4

5. **Conclusion**: The combination that will give the strongest ionic bond is **Option D (Ca\(^{2+}\) and O\(^{2-}\))** because it has the highest total charge (4), which results in the strongest Coulombic attraction.