Which statement best describes an ionic bond?

Which statement best describes an ionic bond?

• A. A covalent bond formed by sharing electrons
• B. An attraction between two metals
• C. A covalent bond in which electrons are transferred
• D. An attraction between oppositely charged ions in a crystal lattice

Answer: (D)

Ionic bonds are the electrostatic attractions between oppositely charged ions formed when electrons are transferred from one atom to another. This transfer creates a cation and an anion, and the strong Coulombic forces between these ions hold them together in a crystal lattice, as seen in compounds like table salt. This concept differs from covalent bonds, which arise from sharing electrons rather than full electron transfer. An attraction between metals describes metallic bonding, not ionic bonding. A covalent bond in which electrons are transferred is inconsistent because covalent bonds involve sharing, not transfer.

Ionic bonds are the electrostatic attractions between oppositely charged ions formed when electrons are transferred from one atom to another. This transfer creates a cation and an anion, and the strong Coulombic forces between these ions hold them together in a crystal lattice, as seen in compounds like table salt. This concept differs from covalent bonds, which arise from sharing electrons rather than full electron transfer. An attraction between metals describes metallic bonding, not ionic bonding. A covalent bond in which electrons are transferred is inconsistent because covalent bonds involve sharing, not transfer.