Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

Which term is associated with the force that causes electrons to be transferred in ionic bonds?

1. Covalent Force

2. Electromotive Force

3. Ionic Force

4. Electrostatic Force

The correct answer is: Electrostatic Force

The term associated with the force that causes electrons to be transferred in ionic bonds is accurately identified as electrostatic force. Ionic bonds are formed between two atoms with significantly different electronegativities, typically a metal and a non-metal. In this process, one atom donates an electron (becoming a positively charged ion), while the other atom accepts that electron (becoming a negatively charged ion). The electrostatic force comes into play as it acts between these oppositely charged ions, effectively holding them together in an ionic compound. It is this attractive force that ensures stability in the resulting compound, balancing the repulsive forces present due to the negative charges in the electron clouds. The other terms relate to different types of interactions. Covalent forces involve the sharing of electrons between atoms rather than transferring them. Electromotive force generally pertains to the potential difference that drives current in a circuit rather than chemical bonding. Ionic force may seem synonymous but is less specific and not a standard term in chemistry for describing the interaction in ionic bonds. Thus, the emphasis on electrostatic force is key to understanding the mechanism of ionic bonding.