An ionic bond involves complete of electrons thus ions are formed
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct answer:
An ionic bond involves the complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of positively and negatively charged ions.
Explanation (300 words):
An ionic bond is a type of chemical bond that forms between atoms when one atom donates one or more electrons to another atom, leading to the formation of ions. This process is called electron transfer or complete transfer of electrons.
In ionic bonding, typically a metal atom loses electrons to become a positively charged ion, called a cation, while a non-metal atom gains those electrons to become a negatively charged ion, called an anion. The metal atom has relatively low electronegativity and a tendency to lose electrons, while the non-metal has a higher electronegativity and tends to gain electrons to complete its outer shell and achieve a more stable electron configuration, often resembling the nearest noble gas.
For example, in sodium chloride (NaCl), a common ionic compound, sodium (Na) donates one electron to chlorine (Cl). Sodium becomes Na⁺ (a cation) and chlorine becomes Cl⁻ (an anion). The resulting opposite charges attract each other through strong electrostatic forces, creating the ionic bond.
This transfer of electrons results in the formation of ions with full outer electron shells, which is energetically favorable and stabilizes the compound. The electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions is the fundamental force holding the ionic compound together.
Ionic bonds usually form between elements with a large difference in electronegativity, such as metals and non-metals. These bonds create crystalline solids with high melting and boiling points, and they conduct electricity when melted or dissolved in water due to the mobility of ions.
In summary, the ionic bond is characterized by the complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another, leading to ion formation and strong electrostatic attraction that holds the ions together in a stable compound.