Question 59

Atoms with opposite charges are attracted.

Ionic bonds are formed between atoms that have opposite charges, typically between metals and non-metals. This attraction occurs because one atom donates an electron, becoming positively charged, while the other atom accepts the electron, becoming negatively charged.

A) Atoms with opposite charges are attracted.

This option accurately describes the fundamental nature of ionic bonds. The attraction between positively and negatively charged ions is the primary characteristic that defines ionic bonding, making this option correct.

B) Valence electrons move freely among atoms.

This statement is characteristic of metallic bonds, not ionic bonds. In ionic bonding, electrons are transferred from one atom to another, leading to the formation of charged ions, rather than moving freely among atoms.

C) An electron sea is the attractive force.

The concept of an electron sea applies to metallic bonding, where electrons are delocalized and shared among a lattice of metal atoms. This does not pertain to ionic bonds, which rely on the electrostatic attraction between distinct ions.

D) Electrons are shared among atoms.

This option describes covalent bonding, where two or more atoms share electrons to achieve stability. In contrast, ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons rather than sharing them, making this option incorrect.

Conclusion

The correct answer, highlighting the attraction between atoms with opposite charges, is fundamental to understanding ionic bonds. All other options misrepresent the nature of ionic bonding, either by relating to different types of bonding or by misunderstanding the role of electrons in ionic interactions.