How can electronegativity be used to explain the reaction we see in terms of the numbers and types of bonded being formed in lithium?

Explanation:

Lithium is an electropositive element that readily loses electrons.

Oxygen is electronegative and it will readily accept electrons.

 Due to this significant electronegativity differences between the two species they form electrovalent or ionic bonds between them.

  2atoms of Li lose two electrons:

      Li  →  Li²⁺ + e⁻

             Lithium isoelectronic with helium

 For oxygen;

      O + 2e⁻   →  O²⁻

                          Oxygen is isoelectronic with Neon

Two ions of the lithium combines with the oxygen to form the bond;

                   4Li + O₂  →  2Li₂O

The electrostatic attraction between the two ions forms the ionic bond

what does the table look like