Which of the following combinations of atoms is most likely to result in a chemical bond formation?

• A. O and O
• B. Na and Cl
• C. N and Ar
• D. He and Ne

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that chemical bonds form when atoms interact to achieve a more stable electron configuration, often by filling their outermost electron shells (valence shells).
2. Step 2: Recognize that atoms tend to form bonds if they can either share electrons (covalent bonds) or transfer electrons (ionic bonds) to complete their valence shells.
3. Step 3: Analyze each pair: O and O can form covalent bonds by sharing electrons; Na and Cl can form ionic bonds because Na tends to lose an electron and Cl tends to gain one; N and Ar are unlikely to bond because Ar is a noble gas with a full valence shell and is generally inert; He and Ne are both noble gases and very stable, so they rarely form bonds.
4. Step 4: Identify that the Na and Cl combination is most likely to form a chemical bond because Na (a metal) can transfer an electron to Cl (a nonmetal), resulting in an ionic bond and a stable electron configuration for both atoms.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the formation of an ionic bond between Na and Cl is the most favorable among the given options due to their complementary electron configurations and tendencies to lose or gain electrons.