Question

In an ionic bond, how do you tell the number of electrons transferred from atom to atom. Would it be two ions formed in the reaction or no?

Example, Lithium + Chlorine

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

In an ionic bond, atoms transfer electrons in order to achieve a stable electron configuration, also known as a full valence shell. The number of electrons transferred from one atom to another can be determined by the difference in their electron configurations.

In the example of lithium and chlorine forming an ionic bond, lithium (Li) has one valence electron and chlorine (Cl) has seven valence electrons. In order for both atoms to achieve a stable electron configuration, Li would transfer its one valence electron to Cl. This results in the formation of two ions: Li+ and Cl-.

It is important to note that for a reaction to be ionic, it must involve the transfer of electrons from one atom to another. In the case of Lithium and Chlorine it is ionic because electrons are transferred from Li to Cl.