In ionic bonding, what is the overall (net) charge of an ionic compound such as sodium chloride?

• A. It always has a net positive charge because it contains cations.
• B. Its net charge depends on the charges of the ions and can be nonzero.
• C. It is electrically neutral overall (net charge $0$).
• D. It always has a net negative charge because it contains anions.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that an ionic compound is formed by the combination of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions).
2. Recall that the charges of the cations and anions balance each other out in a stable ionic compound.
3. Recognize that the total positive charge contributed by the cations equals the total negative charge contributed by the anions.
4. Express this balance mathematically as: \(\text{Total charge} = \sum \text{positive charges} + \sum \text{negative charges} = 0\).
5. Conclude that because the charges balance, the overall (net) charge of an ionic compound like sodium chloride is electrically neutral.