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QuestionChemistry

Which statement best describes ionic bonding? A. A metal atom transfers electrons to a nonmetal atom. B. Many atoms give up electrons that can move among them. C. Two nonmetal atoms share electrons between them. D. Two metal atoms share electrons between them.
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this step by step, focusing on ionic bonding:

Step 2:
: Understand the Characteristics of Ionic Bonding

Ionic bonding involves the transfer of electrons from a metal atom to a nonmetal atom. This creates oppositely charged ions that are attracted to each other through electrostatic forces.

Step 3:
: Analyze the Key Components of Ionic Bonding

- Involves a metal (typically a left-side periodic table element) - Involves a nonmetal (typically a right-side periodic table element) - Electron transfer, not sharing - Results in positively charged metal ion (cation) and negatively charged nonmetal ion (anion)

Step 4:
: Evaluate Each Option

D. $$\times$$ Two metal atoms share electrons between them.
- This EXACTLY describes the ionic bonding process - Correct mechanism of electron transfer - Creates stable ionic compounds - This describes metallic bonding, not ionic bonding - Incorrect mechanism for ionic compounds - This describes covalent bonding - Not characteristic of ionic bonding - This describes metallic bonding - Not ionic bonding mechanism

Final Answer

A is the correct description of ionic bonding.