Define ionic bonding.

• A. The electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions
• B. Covalent sharing of electron pairs between atoms
• C. The attraction between a metal and a nonmetal due to electron transfer
• D. The attraction between molecules due to temporary dipoles

Answer: (A)

Ionic bonding is the strong attraction between ions of opposite charge. It occurs when atoms transfer electrons so that metals become positively charged cations and nonmetals become negatively charged anions. These charged particles are held together by electrostatic forces, forming a lattice structure. The idea emphasizes the force that binds the ions, not just the process that creates them. Saying it’s the attraction between a metal and a nonmetal due to electron transfer touches on the formation of ions, but the bond itself is the electrostatic pull between those oppositely charged ions. The other descriptions refer to covalent bonding, or to weaker intermolecular forces, which aren’t what defines ionic bonding.