Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 79%

Which property is associated with ionic bonds?

Rationale

Atoms with opposite charges are attracted.

Ionic bonds form through the electrostatic attraction between positively and negatively charged ions. This occurs when one atom donates an electron to another, resulting in ions that are drawn to each other due to their opposite charges.

A (Atoms with opposite charges are attracted.) CORRECT

This statement accurately describes the fundamental nature of ionic bonds. When an atom loses an electron, it becomes positively charged (cation), while the atom that gains the electron becomes negatively charged (anion). The attraction between these oppositely charged ions is what forms the ionic bond.

B (Valence electrons move freely among atoms.) YOUR ANSWER

This statement refers to metallic bonding rather than ionic bonding. In metallic bonds, valence electrons are delocalized and can move freely, contributing to properties like conductivity and malleability. Ionic bonds, in contrast, involve the transfer of electrons and the formation of fixed ions, not free movement of electrons.

C (An electron sea is the attractive force.) YOUR ANSWER

The concept of an electron sea applies to metals, where electrons are shared among many atoms, creating a cohesive force. In ionic bonds, the attractive force comes from the electrostatic interaction between distinct ions, not from a sea of electrons.

D (Electrons are shared among atoms.) YOUR ANSWER

This describes covalent bonding, where atoms share electrons to achieve stability. In ionic bonding, electrons are transferred from one atom to another, leading to the formation of ions rather than being shared.

Conclusion

Ionic bonds are characterized by the attraction between atoms with opposite charges resulting from the transfer of electrons. This contrasts with metallic and covalent bonding, which involve different mechanisms of electron interaction. Understanding ionic bonds is essential for grasping the behavior of ionic compounds in various chemical contexts.

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