Which pair of atoms can form an ionic bond?

Options

A. sodium, Na, and potassium, K
B. potassium, K, and flourine, F
C. flourine, F, and chlorine, Cl
D. sodium, Na, and neon, Ne

Explanation

To determine which pair of atoms can form an ionic bond, we need to analyze the given pairs of atoms based on their ability to lose or gain electrons. Ionic bonds typically form between metals and non-metals, where the metal loses electrons and the non-metal gains electrons.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the pairs of atoms**: The question provides pairs of atoms. For this example, we will consider Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K), as well as Potassium (K) and Fluorine (F).

2. **Analyze Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K)**:
- Sodium (Na) has an atomic number of 11 and an electron configuration of 2, 8, 1. It tends to lose one electron to achieve a stable configuration (2, 8).
- Potassium (K) has an atomic number of 19 and an electron configuration of 2, 8, 8, 1. It also tends to lose one electron to achieve a stable configuration (2, 8, 8).
- Since both Sodium and Potassium are metals from the same group (Group 1), they will not form an ionic bond because neither will accept an electron; both will lose one.

3. **Analyze Potassium (K) and Fluorine (F)**:
- Potassium (K) again has an atomic number of 19 and an electron configuration of 2, 8, 8, 1. It will lose one electron to achieve a stable configuration (2, 8, 8).
- Fluorine (F) has an atomic number of 9 and an electron configuration of 2, 7. It needs one electron to complete its outer shell and achieve a stable configuration (2, 8).
- In this case, Potassium will lose one electron, and Fluorine will gain that electron. This transfer of electrons leads to the formation of an ionic bond, resulting in K+ and F- ions.

4. **Conclusion**: The pair of atoms that can form an ionic bond is Potassium (K) and Fluorine (F).

### Final Answer:
The correct pair of atoms that can form an ionic bond is **Potassium (K) and Fluorine (F)**.