Question

Which option describes something that causes ionic bonds to form?

A) Sharing of electrons between atoms.
B) Attraction between atoms with similar electronegativity.
C) Transfer of electrons from one atom to another.
D) Formation of a covalent bond.

Answer 1

Ionic bonds are caused by the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, usually between a metal and a non-metal atom due to differences in electronegativity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The option that describes something that causes ionic bonds to form is C) Transfer of electrons from one atom to another. Ionic bonding takes place when there is a significant difference in electronegativity between two atoms, typically more than 1.7. This commonly occurs between a metal and a non-metal atom. The metal, having a low electronegativity, donates one or more electrons to become a positive ion, or cation. Conversely, the non-metal atom, with its high electronegativity, gains these electrons to become a negative ion, or anion. The cation and anion are then attracted to each other by strong electrostatic forces, creating the ionic bond.