What term describes the bond formed by the transfer of electrons?

• A. Covalent Bond
• B. Hydrogen Bond
• C. Van der Waals Forces
• D. Ionic Bonds

Answer: (D)

Electron transfer creates ions with opposite charges that attract each other, forming an ionic bond. In this type of bonding, a metal atom typically loses one or more electrons to become a positively charged ion, while a nonmetal gains those electrons to become a negatively charged ion. The strong electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions holds the compound together, often producing a crystalline lattice with high melting points and good conductivity when melted or dissolved.

This is distinct from covalent bonding, where atoms share electrons rather than transfer them; hydrogen bonds are specific, weaker interactions involving a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom in one molecule and attracted to a different electronegative atom in another; Van der Waals forces are even weaker, non-bonding attractions arising from temporary dipoles.