What is formed by the transfer of electrons?

When electrons are transferred from one atom to another, ions are formed, which then combine to create ionic compounds. This process is known as ionic bonding and typically occurs between a metal and a non-metal.

Formation of Ions

1. Cations (+) – Metals lose electrons
   • Example: Sodium (Na) loses one electron to form Na⁺ Na→Na++e−Na \rightarrow Na^+ + e^-
2. Anions (-) – Non-metals gain electrons
   • Example: Chlorine (Cl) gains one electron to form Cl⁻ Cl+e−→Cl−Cl + e^- \rightarrow Cl^-

Formation of Ionic Compounds

When oppositely charged cations and anions attract, they form an ionic compound through electrostatic forces.

• Example: Formation of NaCl (Sodium chloride)

  Na++Cl−→NaClNa^+ + Cl^- \rightarrow NaCl

• Example: Formation of MgO (Magnesium oxide)

  Mg2++O2−→MgOMg^{2+} + O^{2-} \rightarrow MgO

Thus, the transfer of electrons leads to the formation of ions, which then combine to form stable ionic compounds.