Ionic bond — Science definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- Electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. Electron transfer can produce ions but is distinct from the attraction. (Life Science: Biology)
- Electrostatic attraction among oppositely charged ions in the specified arrangement; ion formation by electron transfer is a distinct part of the account. (Physical Science: Chemistry)
Where it is taught
- Atoms, Bonds & Water — Investigating the Chemistry of Life, Life Science: Biology, Grade 10
- Ionic Bonding — Bonding, Formulas & Molecular Structure, Physical Science: Chemistry, Grade 11
In use
Electron transfer can form ions; an ionic bond is the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions, rather than the transfer itself.
Atoms, Bonds & Water
Questions using ionic bond
Problem 1
Explain, in terms of electrons, why a sodium atom and a chlorine atom form an ionic bond.
Answer and explanation
Sodium has 1 valence electron and chlorine has 7. Sodium transfers its single electron to chlorine, so both reach a full outer shell. Sodium becomes Na⁺ and chlorine becomes Cl⁻, and the opposite charges attract to form the ionic bond.
Taught alongside
- atom
- element
- covalent bond
- hydrogen bond
- polar molecule
- pH
- ion
- cation
- anion
- octet rule
- crystal lattice
- formula unit
- polyatomic ion