Which statement describes a step in the formation of an ionic bond? an attraction occurs between two ions that have the same charge. a metal atom forms a cation, and a nonmetal atom forms an anion. a more electronegative atom transfers electrons to a less electronegative atom. a metal pulls electrons from another metal and produces a force of attraction.

A metal atom forms a cation, and a nonmetal atom forms an anion.

Explanation:

An ionic bond is formed when an element completely transfers its valence electron to another element. The element which donates the electron is known as electropositive element and the element which accepts the electrons is known as electronegative element. This bond is formed between a metal and a non-metal.

For formation of a neutral ionic compound, the charges on cation and anion must be balanced. The cation is formed by loss of electrons by metals and anions are formed by gain of electrons by non metals.

For formation of , sodium metal forms a cation and chlorine non metal forms an anion.

The cations and anions being oppositely charged attract each other through strong coloumbic forces and form an ionic bond.

Sodium atom will loose one electron to gain noble gas configuration and form sodium cation with +1 charge.

Chlorine atom will gain one electron to gain noble gas configuration and form chloride ion with -1 charge.

Thus a metal atom forms a cation, and a nonmetal atom forms an anion.