What type of bond would you expect to be formed between sodium and chlorine?

Answer 1

Typically, a metal and a nonmetal will form an ionic bond. You can also go by electronegativity. The difference in electronegativity can be used to predict the type of bond between atoms. Elements with electronegativity differences between 1.6 and 2.0 form ionic bonds if a metal is involved. Elements with electronegativity differences of 2.0 or greater form ionic bonds.

Answer 2

Ionic bond. Sodium, being a metal, tends to lose an electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, forming a positively charged ion. Chlorine, being a nonmetal, tends to gain an electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, forming a negatively charged ion. The attraction between these oppositely charged ions results in the formation of an ionic bond.