Question

Which statement describes a step in the formation of an ionic bond?

Answer 1

Answer:

A metal atom forms a cation, and a nonmetal atom forms an anion.

Explanation:

bond formation in a solid, liquid or gas is basically the attraction force between the molecules.

If the attraction force between molecules are weak then in that case the bond is weak and if the attraction force is strong then bond is also strong.

Now in case of ionic bond the two opposite ions will attract each other by strong electrostatic force.

So here the ionic bond is due to

$F = \frac{kq_1q_2}{r^2}$

so here correct answer will be

A metal atom forms a cation, and a nonmetal atom forms an anion.

Answer 2

All the statements above are false except B. During an ionic bond formation, a metal loses electrons to become a cation while a non-metal gains electrons to form an anion.