Humber Admissions Practice Test

How do ionic compounds form in terms of electron transfer?

1. They share electrons

2. They gain electrons from the nonmetal

3. They transfer electrons to the nonmetal

4. They lose protons

The correct answer is: They transfer electrons to the nonmetal

Ionic compounds form through the transfer of electrons between atoms, particularly between metals and nonmetals. In this process, a metal atom, which typically has a lower electronegativity, donates one or more of its valence electrons to a nonmetal atom, which has a higher electronegativity and a tendency to gain electrons. This transfer results in the metal atom becoming a positively charged cation, while the nonmetal becomes a negatively charged anion. The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions leads to the formation of an ionic bond, resulting in the creation of an ionic compound. This fundamental principle is key to understanding how ionic bonding gives rise to the properties and characteristics of materials formed in this way. While sharing electrons is a characteristic of covalent bonding, in ionic compounds, the critical aspect is the transfer of electrons, which leads to the distinctive ionic properties. Also, losing protons does not relate directly to electron transfer in the formation of ionic compounds, as protons are bound within the atomic nucleus and do not participate in this process.