Which statement best describes an ionic bond?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
An ionic bond is a chemical bond formed by the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions, typically resulting from the transfer of electrons from a metal to a nonmetal.
Explanation
An ionic bond is a type of chemical bond that arises when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, leading to the formation of charged particles known as ions. This type of bonding typically occurs between atoms of elements that have significantly different electronegativities—most commonly a metal and a nonmetal. Metals, found on the left side of the periodic table, have a tendency to lose one or more electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, forming positively charged ions called cations. Nonmetals, located on the right side of the periodic table, tend to gain electrons to complete their outer electron shells, resulting in negatively charged ions known as anions.
The process begins with the transfer of electrons. For example, sodium (Na), a metal, can lose one electron to form a Na⁺ ion, while chlorine (Cl), a nonmetal, can gain that electron to become a Cl⁻ ion. The resulting opposite charges create a strong electrostatic attraction between the two ions. This attraction is what constitutes the ionic bond.
Ionic compounds, such as sodium chloride (NaCl), typically form crystalline solids with high melting and boiling points due to the strength of the ionic bonds holding the ions in a regular, repeating lattice structure. These compounds often dissolve in water and other polar solvents, dissociating into free ions that can conduct electricity, a property known as electrolytic conductivity.
The formation of ionic bonds is crucial in chemistry because it helps to stabilize atoms by allowing them to achieve full outer electron shells, often resembling the noble gas configuration. The resulting compounds are usually stable, neutral in charge, and exhibit distinct physical properties that differ markedly from those of their constituent elements.
