Question

an atom of lithium (li) forms an ionic bond with an atom of chlorine (cl) to form lithium chloride. how are the valence electrons of these atoms rearranged to form this bond?
a few valence electrons are shared between the atoms.
many valence electrons are shared between the atoms.
electrons are transferred from the chlorine atom to the lithium atom.
electrons are transferred from the lithium atom to the chlorine atom.

Explanation:

Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons, not sharing (so options about sharing are wrong). Lithium (Li) is a metal with 1 valence electron, and chlorine (Cl) is a non - metal needing 1 electron to fill its outer shell. Lithium donates its valence electron to chlorine. So electrons are transferred from Li to Cl.

Answer:

D. Electrons are transferred from the lithium atom to the chlorine atom.