Question 59

Atoms with opposite charges are attracted.

Ionic bonds are characterized by the attraction between atoms that carry opposite charges. This occurs when one atom donates an electron to another, resulting in a positively charged ion and a negatively charged ion that attract each other.

A) Atoms with opposite charges are attracted.

This option accurately describes the fundamental nature of ionic bonds. In ionic bonding, one atom loses electrons and becomes positively charged, while another atom gains those electrons and becomes negatively charged, leading to a strong electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions.

B) Valence electrons move freely among atoms.

This statement is incorrect in the context of ionic bonds. It describes metallic bonding, where electrons are delocalized and can move freely. In ionic bonding, electrons are transferred from one atom to another, rather than shared or freely moving among multiple atoms.

C) An electron sea is the attractive force.

This option is also incorrect as it pertains to metallic bonding, not ionic bonding. In metallic bonds, an electron sea allows for the conductivity and malleability of metals, whereas ionic bonds rely on the attraction between distinct, charged ions.

D) Electrons are shared among atoms.

This statement is incorrect in relation to ionic bonds. Sharing of electrons is characteristic of covalent bonds, where two atoms share pairs of electrons. Ionic bonds, in contrast, involve the transfer of electrons rather than their sharing.

Conclusion

The correct answer, "Atoms with opposite charges are attracted," encapsulates the essence of ionic bonding, which is defined by the electrostatic attraction between ions of opposite charges. All other options either describe different types of bonding or do not accurately reflect the nature of ionic bonds, thereby confirming that option A is the only correct choice.