Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons between atoms from "summary" of Chemistry Simplified NCERT Class 11 by Sanjay Sharma
Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons between atoms. When atoms form ionic bonds, one atom loses electrons while the other atom gains them. This transfer occurs because atoms want to achieve a stable electronic configuration, similar to the noble gases. In an ionic bond, the atom that loses electrons becomes positively charged, while the atom that gains electrons becomes negatively charged. These charged atoms are known as ions. The positively charged ion is called a cation, and the negatively charged ion is called an anion. The attraction between the oppositely charged ions is what holds the atoms together in an ionic bond. This attraction is known as an electrostatic force. It is this electrostatic force that gives ionic compounds their characteristic properties, such as high melting and boiling points. Ionic bonds typically form between metals and non-metals. Metals tend to lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, while non-metals tend to gain electrons. This transfer of electrons results in the formation of ionic compounds.- The concept of ionic bonds involving the transfer of electrons between atoms is essential in understanding the formation and properties of ionic compounds. By gaining a better understanding of this concept, one can appreciate the role of electron transfer in chemical bonding.