Question

The mutual attraction of opposite charges holds atoms together as molecules in a(n) \(-\) bond. a. ionic b. hydrogen c. polar covalent d. nonpolar covalent

Short answer

The correct bond type is an ionic bond.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question

The question asks about the type of bond formed by the mutual attraction between opposite charges. It is important to note that opposite charges refer to positive and negative charges.

Identifying Types of Bonds

There are several types of chemical bonds: 1. Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons from a metal to a non-metal, resulting in the attraction between positively and negatively charged ions. 2. Covalent bonds (polar and nonpolar) involve the sharing of electrons between atoms. 3. Hydrogen bonds occur when a hydrogen atom is attracted to a more electronegative element, like nitrogen or oxygen.

Analyzing Each Option

- Ionic bonds are characterized by the attraction between positively and negatively charged ions. - Hydrogen bonds are weaker interactions between molecules or parts of molecules. - Polar covalent bonds involve unequal sharing of electrons, leading to partial charges. - Nonpolar covalent bonds involve equal sharing of electrons and typically do not involve opposite charges.

Selecting the Correct Answer

The attraction of opposite charges refers to the transfer and electrostatic attraction found in ionic bonding. Therefore, the correct answer is 'a. ionic' bond.

Key concepts

Chemical Bonds

Atoms join together using what are known as chemical bonds. These bonds are the connections that hold atoms within molecules. There are several types of chemical bonds, each with their unique properties and ways of forming.

• Ionic Bonds: These bonds occur when one atom transfers electrons to another, creating ions that attract each other due to their opposite charges.
• Covalent Bonds: Unlike ionic bonds, covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms. They can be further divided into polar and nonpolar covalent bonds depending on how the electrons are shared.
• Hydrogen Bonds: These are weaker bonds compared to ionic and covalent bonds. They typically occur when a hydrogen atom becomes electrostatically attracted to a more electronegative atom like oxygen or nitrogen.

Understanding these types of bonds is crucial for grasping how molecules form and change during chemical reactions.

Electrons Transfer

The transfer of electrons is a key process in forming ionic bonds. Atoms strive to achieve stability, often reaching this by having a full outer shell of electrons like noble gases. This is where electron transfer comes into play.

• From Metal to Non-metal: In an ionic bond, a metal atom will tend to lose one or more electrons. These electrons are transferred to a non-metal atom.
• Formation of Ions: By losing electrons, a metal atom becomes a positively charged ion, known as a cation. Conversely, by gaining electrons, a non-metal atom becomes a negatively charged ion, known as an anion.
• Ionic Attraction: These newly formed ions attract each other due to their opposite charges, which leads to the formation of an ionic compound.

While it might seem simple, the electron transfer process is fundamental for the creation of many common substances, like sodium chloride (table salt).

Opposite Charges

The principle of opposite charges is vital to understanding why and how ionic bonds form. The phrase "opposites attract" is quite literal in the context of these bonds.

• Electrostatic Forces: When a metal loses electrons and a non-metal gains those electrons, the resulting ions have opposite charges. The metal becomes positively charged, and the non-metal becomes negatively charged.
• Attraction Between Opposites: This difference in charge creates a strong electrostatic force between the ions, pulling them together tightly to form a stable bond.
• Examples in Nature: The attraction between opposite charges is what makes many natural substances stable and common, like the salt that is so essential to life.

Understanding the concept of opposite charges not only helps in comprehending ionic bonding but also provides insight into the behavior of atoms in various chemical reactions.