Question

how do atoms form ionic bonds?
by transferring electrons
only by gaining electrons
by sharing electrons
by moving electrons back and forth continuously between the elements.

Explanation:

Ionic bonds are formed when one atom transfers electrons to another atom. This transfer results in the formation of ions (positively and negatively charged atoms). For example, in sodium chloride (\(NaCl\)), sodium (\(Na\)) donates an electron to chlorine (\(Cl\)). Sodium becomes \(Na^{+}\) (a cation) and chlorine becomes \(Cl^{-}\) (an anion). The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely - charged ions forms the ionic bond.

• Option "Only by gaining electrons" is incorrect because in ionic bond formation, one atom gains and another loses electrons. It's not just about gaining.
• Option "By sharing electrons" is for covalent bonds, not ionic bonds.
• Option "By moving electrons back and forth continuously between the elements" is not a valid description of ionic bond formation.

Answer:

By transferring electrons