Which of the following pairs of elements would most likely combine to form a salt (ionic bond) ?

Rb + Cl2

H2 + O2

P + I2

Ne + He

Rb and Cl₂.

Explanation Metals tend to transfer their electrons to nonmetals when the two react. They will produce two ions. As a result, bonds between a metal and a nonmetal tend to be ionic. Nonmetals tend to share electrons. As a result, bonds between two nonmetals tend to be covalent. Noble gas elements are stable. They seldom react with other elements or with other noble gases. Rb is a metal. Cl is a nonmetal. They tend to form ionic bonds. H and O are nonmetals. They tend to form covalent bonds. P and I are nonmetals. They tend to form covalent bonds. Ne and He are noble gases. They won't react under standard conditions.