Choose the compound that should have the highest melting point according to the ionic bonding model.

Question

Group of answer choices

(a) KI

(b) CaO

(c) SrCl₂

(d) CaS

Answer 1

CaO because O is smaller than S and the charges are the same otherwise (Ca 2+ and O and S 2-). So it comes down to atomic radius and since O is smaller than S, it will be held closer and more tightly.