Questions: Which of the following occurs when an ionic bond is formed? a) Electrons are transferred from the more electronegative element to the less electronegative element. b) Electrons are transferred from the less electronegative element to the more electronegative element. c) Electrons are shared equally. d) Electrons are shared unequally.

Which of the following occurs when an ionic bond is formed?
a) Electrons are transferred from the more electronegative element to the less electronegative element.
b) Electrons are transferred from the less electronegative element to the more electronegative element.
c) Electrons are shared equally.
d) Electrons are shared unequally.

Transcript text: Which of the following occurs when an ionic bond is formed? a) Electrons are transferred from the more electronegative element to the less electronegative element. b) Electrons are transferred from the less electronegative element to the more electronegative element. c) Electrons are shared equally. d) Electrons are shared unequally.

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Understanding Ionic Bonds

An ionic bond is a type of chemical bond where electrons are transferred between atoms. This typically occurs between a metal and a non-metal. The metal, which is less electronegative, loses electrons and becomes a positively charged ion (cation), while the non-metal, which is more electronegative, gains electrons and becomes a negatively charged ion (anion).

Step 2: Analyzing the Options

Option a: This suggests that electrons are transferred from the more electronegative element to the less electronegative element, which is incorrect for ionic bonds.
Option b: This correctly describes the process of ionic bond formation, where electrons are transferred from the less electronegative element (usually a metal) to the more electronegative element (usually a non-metal).
Option c: This describes covalent bonding, where electrons are shared equally.
Option d: This describes polar covalent bonding, where electrons are shared unequally.