What type of bond is formed through the transfer of electrons between a metal and a nonmetal?

An ionic bond is formed through the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, typically between a metal and a nonmetal. In this type of bond, the metal atom donates one or more of its electrons to the nonmetal atom. This process results in the formation of positively charged metal ions and negatively charged nonmetal ions. The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions leads to the creation of a strong bond known as an ionic bond.

In contrast to ionic bonds, covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms, typically between two nonmetals. Hydrogen bonds are a type of intermolecular force and occur when hydrogen is bonded to highly electronegative atoms like oxygen or nitrogen. Van der Waals bonds are weak attractions between molecules or parts of molecules, which do not involve the transfer or sharing of electrons in the way that ionic and covalent bonds do. Therefore, the correct understanding of ionic bonding is essential in distinguishing it from these other types of bonds.