Question detail
What is ionic bonding?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Bonding
Question
- A. The sharing of electron pairs between atoms
- B. The electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions
- C. The attraction between positive ions and delocalised electrons
- D. The repulsion between like-charged ions
Answer
The electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions
Explanation
Ionic bonding is defined as the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions, which results from the transfer of electrons from one atom to another.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Ionic Bonding
Students often confuse ionic bonding with covalent bonding, thinking that ionic bonds involve shared electrons instead of electrostatic attraction.
Ionic bonding is defined as the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. To clarify, remember that in ionic bonding, electrons are transferred from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of positive and negative ions. For example, in sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium (Na) loses an electron to become Na⁺, while chlorine (Cl) gains an electron to become Cl⁻. The attraction between Na⁺ and Cl⁻ forms the ionic bond.
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