MCQ Detailed View

An ionic bond is a type of chemical bond formed when one atom transfers electrons to another. This usually happens between a metal and a non-metal. The metal atom loses electrons to become a positively charged ion (cation), while the non-metal atom gains those electrons to become a negatively charged ion (anion). The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions creates the ionic bond.

The key properties of an ionic bond include electron transfer, not sharing. In this process, one atom completely gives up electrons and the other completely accepts them. For example, in sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium loses one electron to become Na⁺, and chlorine gains that electron to become Cl⁻. This electron transfer creates strong electrostatic forces holding the ions together.

Looking at the options:

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  Transfer of electrons is a property of ionic bonds.

  
  


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  Losing of electrons happens when metals form cations.

  
  


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  Gaining of electrons happens when non-metals form anions.

  
  

However, sharing of electrons is not a property of ionic bonds. Sharing is the key feature of covalent bonds, where two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons to achieve stability. A classic example is the H₂ molecule, where each hydrogen atom shares one electron with the other.

Therefore, the property that does not apply to ionic bonding is sharing of electrons. Recognizing this difference between transfer (ionic bonding) and sharing (covalent bonding) is very important in chemistry because it explains why different compounds show different physical and chemical properties. Ionic compounds usually have high melting points, conduct electricity when molten or dissolved, and form crystalline solids, all because of the strong ionic forces between their ions.