Humber Admissions Practice Test

What type of elements are involved in ionic compounds?

1. Metal and nonmetal

2. Two nonmetals

3. Two metals

4. Metalloids and metals

The correct answer is: Metal and nonmetal

Ionic compounds are formed primarily through the electrostatic attraction between positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions). This interaction typically occurs between metals and nonmetals. Metals tend to lose electrons, resulting in cations, while nonmetals generally gain electrons, forming anions. In this context, the interaction leads to the formation of a crystalline structure, characteristic of ionic compounds. The distinct separation of charges creates a stable structure that is central to the properties of ionic compounds, such as high melting and boiling points. Understanding the nature of the elements involved in ionic bonding is essential for grasping the fundamental differences between ionic and other types of bonding, like covalent bonding, which primarily occurs between two nonmetals, or metallic bonding, which involves metal atoms.