Why is there an attraction between the two ions in an ionic chemical bond?

• A. Because the ions share electrons equally.
• B. Because the ions form a covalent bond by overlapping orbitals.
• C. Because both ions have the same charge and repel each other.
• D. Because opposite charges attract due to electrostatic forces.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that an ionic bond forms between two ions with opposite charges: a positively charged cation and a negatively charged anion.
2. Recall that opposite charges attract each other due to electrostatic forces, which is the fundamental principle behind ionic bonding.
3. Recognize that in ionic bonds, electrons are transferred from one atom to another, resulting in ions, rather than being shared equally as in covalent bonds.
4. Note that the attraction between ions is not due to sharing electrons or overlapping orbitals, but due to the electrostatic force described by Coulomb's law.
5. Summarize that the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions holds them together in an ionic compound.