* Lithium wants to lose its one valence electron to achieve a stable, full outer shell like Helium (2 electrons). This makes it positively charged (+1).
* Bromine wants to gain one electron to achieve a stable, full outer shell like Krypton (8 electrons). This makes it negatively charged (-1).
The Result:
The strong electrostatic attraction between the positively charged lithium ion (Li+) and the negatively charged bromide ion (Br-) forms an ionic bond. This results in the formation of Lithium Bromide (LiBr), a stable ionic compound.
Visual Representation:
* Lithium: [He] 2s¹ --> [He] (loses electron) --> Li+
* Bromine: [Ar] 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁵ --> [Ar] 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ (gains electron) --> Br-
In essence, Lithium donates its electron to Bromine, forming a stable ionic compound with a 1:1 ratio.
