Which statement best describes the types of bonds shown in the diagram below, where sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) atoms interact to form sodium chloride (NaCl)?

• A. A hydrogen bond is formed between Na and Cl atoms.
• B. A metallic bond is formed between Na and Cl atoms.
• C. An ionic bond is formed by the transfer of an electron from Na to Cl.
• D. A covalent bond is formed by the sharing of electrons between Na and Cl.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the types of atoms involved: sodium (Na) is a metal and chlorine (Cl) is a nonmetal.
2. Recall that metals tend to lose electrons and form positive ions (cations), while nonmetals tend to gain electrons and form negative ions (anions).
3. Understand that when a metal and a nonmetal interact, the metal atom transfers one or more electrons to the nonmetal atom, resulting in the formation of oppositely charged ions.
4. Recognize that the electrostatic attraction between the positively charged sodium ion (Na⁺) and the negatively charged chloride ion (Cl⁻) constitutes an ionic bond.
5. Conclude that the bond formed between Na and Cl in sodium chloride (NaCl) is ionic, not covalent, metallic, or hydrogen bonding.