Question

The force of attraction between cation and anion of an ionic compound is _______

• A. electrostatic force of attraction
• B. metallic bond
• C. hydrogen bond
• D. none of these

Answer 1

The correct option is A

electrostatic force of attraction

The explanation for the Correct answer

(a) the electrostatic force of attraction

The electrostatic force of attraction takes place between two electrically charged particles. Since an ionic bond is formed between positive and negative ions, the force of attraction between cation and anion of an ionic compound is the electrostatic force of attraction. Example: $\mathrm{NaCl}$

The explanation for the incorrect answer

(b) metallic bond

A metallic bond takes place in metal and the force of attraction between mobile electrons and the metal is known as a metallic bond. Therefore, the force of attraction between cation and anion in an ionic bond is not a metallic bond. Example: $\mathrm{Na},\mathrm{Mg}$

(c) hydrogen bond

The force of attraction that holds the hydrogen atom of one molecule to the highly electronegative atom of the other molecule is called a hydrogen bond. Example: $\mathrm{HF}$

Therefore, the force of attraction between cation and anion in an ionic bond is the electrostatic force of attraction.