What does “ionic” mean?
The correct answer and explanation is:
“Ionic” refers to a type of chemical bond that occurs when atoms transfer electrons from one to another, resulting in the formation of charged particles known as ions. These ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost electrons and therefore carry a positive or negative charge.
In an ionic bond, one atom gives up one or more electrons (becoming a positively charged ion, also known as a cation) and another atom accepts those electrons (becoming a negatively charged ion, also known as an anion). This transfer of electrons leads to the formation of an electrostatic attraction between the positively and negatively charged ions. This attraction holds the ions together in a stable compound.
For example, when sodium (Na) reacts with chlorine (Cl), sodium loses an electron to become a Na+ cation, and chlorine gains an electron to become a Cl- anion. The opposite charges of Na+ and Cl- result in a strong attraction between them, forming sodium chloride (NaCl), commonly known as table salt.
Ionic compounds typically have distinct properties due to the strong electrostatic forces between the ions. These properties include high melting and boiling points, electrical conductivity in molten or dissolved form, and a tendency to dissolve in polar solvents such as water. Ionic compounds also tend to be hard and brittle, as the ions are arranged in a regular lattice structure that is easily disrupted when force is applied.
In contrast to ionic bonds, covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms, rather than the transfer of electrons. This difference in bonding types leads to distinct physical and chemical properties for ionic and covalent compounds. Ionic compounds are usually formed between elements that have a large difference in electronegativity, such as metals and nonmetals.