Question

Which of the following chemical bonds is formed by the complete transfer of one or more electrons from one atom to another?

• A. Covalent Bond
• B. Ionic Bond
• C. Coordinate Bond
• D. Hydrogen Bond

Hint:

Bond Formation Summary: Transfer of Electrons → Ionic Bond Sharing of Electrons → Covalent Bond One-sided Sharing → Coordinate Bond Weak Attraction involving Hydrogen → Hydrogen Bond

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Atoms combine with one another to achieve a more stable electronic configuration. Chemical bonds are formed either by transfer of electrons, sharing of electrons, or electrostatic interactions. The nature of the bond depends upon the tendency of atoms to lose or gain electrons.

Step-by-Step Analysis:

• Ionic Bond (Correct Answer): An ionic bond, also called an electrovalent bond, is formed by the complete transfer of one or more electrons from one atom to another.

• Usually formed between a metal and a non-metal.

• The metal loses electrons and becomes a positively charged ion (cation).

• The non-metal gains electrons and becomes a negatively charged ion (anion).

• The oppositely charged ions attract each other through electrostatic forces.

Example: Formation of Sodium Chloride (NaCl) \[ Na \rightarrow Na^+ + e^- \] \[ Cl + e^- \rightarrow Cl^- \] The resulting ions attract each other: \[ Na^+ + Cl^- \rightarrow NaCl \] Thus, NaCl is held together by an ionic bond.

• Covalent Bond (Option A): A covalent bond is formed when atoms share electrons rather than transfer them. Examples: \[ H_2,\; O_2,\; CH_4,\; H_2O \] No complete electron transfer occurs.

• Coordinate Bond (Option C): A coordinate or dative bond is a special type of covalent bond in which the shared electron pair is contributed by only one atom. Example: \[ NH_3 + H^+ \rightarrow NH_4^+ \] The lone pair on nitrogen is donated to the hydrogen ion.

• Hydrogen Bond (Option D): A hydrogen bond is a weak intermolecular force of attraction occurring between hydrogen and highly electronegative atoms such as oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine. Examples:

• Water

• HF

• Ammonia
It is not formed through electron transfer.
Therefore, a bond formed through complete transfer of electrons is called an

Ionic Bond.