Which bond involves the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions?

• A. Hydrogen Bond
• B. Metallic Bond
• C. Ionic Bonds
• D. Van der Waals Forces

Answer: (C)

Ionic bonds form from the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. When electrons are transferred from one atom to another, charged ions are created, and the strong attraction between their opposite charges holds the compound together in a solid lattice—think of table salt (NaCl). This is different from hydrogen bonds, which are weaker, directional attractions between a hydrogen attached to a highly electronegative atom and another electronegative atom, not full ions. Metallic bonds involve a lattice of positive nuclei with a sea of delocalized electrons, giving metals their characteristic properties. Van der Waals forces are very weak attractions due to temporary dipoles between molecules. The defining feature here is the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions, which is what ionic bonds are.