CramX Logo

Q
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.
12 months agoReport content

Answer

Full Solution Locked

Sign in to view the complete step-by-step solution and unlock all study resources.

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.