Ionic Bonding

What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes an ionic bond from a covalent bond?

• Ionic bonds involve the sharing of electrons, while covalent bonds involve the transfer of electrons.

• Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons, while covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons.

• Ionic bonds occur between two nonmetals, while covalent bonds occur between a metal and a nonmetal.

• Ionic bonds result in molecules, while covalent bonds result in crystal lattices.

In the formation of an ionic bond, which statement accurately describes the electron transfer process?

• A cation gains electrons to become positively charged, and an anion loses electrons to become negatively charged.

• A cation loses electrons to become positively charged, and an anion gains electrons to become negatively charged.

• Both cations and anions gain electrons to achieve stability.

• Both cations and anions lose electrons to achieve stability.

How does the size of ions influence the lattice energy of an ionic solid, assuming constant charge?

• Smaller ions lead to lower lattice energy due to increased distance between nuclei.

• Larger ions lead to higher lattice energy due to stronger electrostatic attraction.

• Smaller ions lead to higher lattice energy due to decreased distance between nuclei.

• Ion size has no significant effect on lattice energy; only charge matters.

Comparing sodium chloride (NaCl) and barium oxide (BaO), which factor primarily accounts for the significantly higher lattice energy of barium oxide?

• The smaller size of the ions in barium oxide.

• The larger charges of the ions in barium oxide.

• The metallic nature of barium compared to sodium.

• The difference in electronegativity between oxygen and chlorine.