Question

An atom of lithium (Li) forms an ionic bond with an atom of chlorine (Cl) to form lithium chloride. How are the valence electrons of these atoms rearranged to form this bond? A few valence electrons are shared between the atoms. Many valence electrons are shared between the atoms. Electrons are transferred from the chlorine atom to the lithium atom. Electrons are transferred from the lithium atom to the chlorine atom.

Answer 1

Answer: Electrons are transferred from the lithium atom to the chlorine atom.

Explanation: Metal atoms tend to give away valence electrons when they bond with nonmetal atoms.

Answer 2

Answer: The correct statement is electrons are transferred from the lithium atom to the chlorine atom.

Explanation:

Ionic bond is defined as the bond which is formed from the complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another atom. The atom which looses electrons is known as electropositive atom and it attains positive charge. The atom which gains electrons is known as electronegative atom and it attains negative charge.

Lithium is the 3rd element of the periodic table. The electronic configuration of this element is $1s^22s^1$

This element will loose 1 electron to attain stable electronic configuration to attain +1 oxidation state.

Chlorine is the 17th element of the periodic table. The electronic configuration of this element is $1s^22s^22p^63s^22p^3$

This element requires 1 electron to attain stable electronic configuration to attain -1 oxidation state.

Hence, electrons are transferred from the lithium atom to the chlorine atom.