The bond formed between two elements with electron configurations 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² and 1s² 2s² 2p⁴ is

Correct answer: Ionic

: The configurations correspond to Mg (1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s²) and O (1s² 2s² 2p⁴). Magnesium, a metal, tends to lose two 3s electrons to form Mg²⁺, while oxygen, a non-metal, tends to gain two electrons to complete its octet and form O²⁻. The electrostatic attraction between Mg²⁺ and O²⁻ forms an ionic bond (MgO).

• Metallic — Incorrect. Metallic bonding occurs between metal atoms only.
• Covalent — Incorrect. Covalent bonds typically form between non-metals sharing electrons.
• Dative (coordinate) — Incorrect. Involves a shared pair donated by one atom; not the case here.
• Ionic — Correct. Electron transfer from Mg to O gives Mg²⁺ and O²⁻.