AFOQT Practice Test

The statement that best describes an ionic bond is that it involves the attraction between oppositely charged ions. Ionic bonds are formed when one atom donates one or more of its electrons to another atom, leading to the creation of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions). The electrostatic force of attraction between these oppositely charged ions is what holds them together in an ionic bond. This type of bond is typically seen in compounds formed between metals and nonmetals. The other options represent different concepts in chemistry. For instance, sharing electrons describes covalent bonds, not ionic bonds. A reaction between similar charges would not lead to bond formation, and the formation of a molecule can occur through different types of bonding, not solely ionic. Thus, the defining characteristic of ionic bonds is indeed the attraction between oppositely charged ions, which solidifies why this statement is correct.