Question

An atom of lithium (Li) forms an ionic bond with an atom of chlorine (Cl) to form lithium chloride. How are the valence electrons of these atoms rearranged to form this bond?

A few valence electrons are shared between the atoms.
Many valence electrons are shared between the atoms.
Electrons are transferred from the chlorine atom to the lithium atom.
Electrons are transferred from the lithium atom to the chlorine atom.

Answer 1

Electrons are transferred from the lithium atom to the chlorine atom.

Li (1 valence electron) loses its one electron to become Li+ (like He), and Cl (7 valence electrons) gains that electron to become Cl− (like Ar). The oppositely charged ions are held together by electrostatic (ionic) attraction.