Type your answer in the box. Lithium bromide (LiBr) is an ionic compound. The metal lithium \boxed{loses} an electron to form the cation
and the nonmetal bromine \boxed{gains} an electron to form the anion
. The ions are held together by a strong \boxed{electrostatic} attraction in a 3D array called a crystal lattice.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Lithium bromide (LiBr) is an ionic compound, which means that it forms through the electrostatic attraction between positively charged cations and negatively charged anions. In the case of LiBr, the metal lithium (Li) and the nonmetal bromine (Br) undergo a transfer of electrons to form these ions.
First, lithium (Li), being an alkali metal, has one electron in its outermost shell. In order to achieve a stable electron configuration, lithium loses this electron, resulting in a positively charged ion, denoted as Li+\text{Li}^+Li+. This process is known as ionization. By losing an electron, lithium adopts the electron configuration of the nearest noble gas, helium.
On the other hand, bromine (Br) is a halogen, which has seven electrons in its outermost shell. To attain a full octet and become stable, bromine gains one electron. This electron is acquired from lithium. The addition of this electron transforms bromine into a negatively charged ion, denoted as Br−\text{Br}^-Br−. This process is known as reduction.
The ions Li+\text{Li}^+Li+ and Br−\text{Br}^-Br− are held together by a strong electrostatic attraction. This attractive force is the basis of ionic bonding. The opposite charges of the cation and anion result in the formation of a stable ionic compound. The ions are arranged in a repeating three-dimensional pattern known as a crystal lattice. In this lattice, each Li+\text{Li}^+Li+ ion is surrounded by several Br−\text{Br}^-Br− ions, and each Br−\text{Br}^-Br− ion is surrounded by several Li+\text{Li}^+Li+ ions. This orderly arrangement minimizes the energy of the system, making lithium bromide a stable ionic compound.
Thus, the formation of LiBr is a result of electron transfer, leading to the formation of ions that are held together by electrostatic forces in a crystal lattice.
