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. A few valence electrons are shared between the atoms.
B. Many valence electrons are shared between the atoms.
C. Electrons are transferred from the chlorine atom to the lithium atom.
D. Electrons are transferred from the lithium atom to the chlorine atom.

Answer 1

Answer: Option (D) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

Atomic number of lithium is 3 and electrons in its shell are distributed as 2, 1. Atomic number of chlorine is 17 and electrons in its shell are distributed as 2, 8, 7.

Thus, we can see that lithium has 1 extra electron and chlorine has deficiency of 1 electron. Therefore, in order to gain stability lithium will transfer its 1 extra electron to chlorine atom.

Thus, we can conclude that electrons are transferred from the lithium atom to the chlorine atom.

Answer 2

its d Electrons are transferred from the lithium atom to the chlorine atom.