Humber Admissions Practice Test 2026 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Ionic compounds are fundamentally characterized by the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, which leads to the formation of charged ions. This process typically occurs between metals and nonmetals, where metals, having fewer valence electrons, lose electrons to achieve a stable electronic configuration, ultimately becoming positively charged cations. Conversely, nonmetals gain these electrons, becoming negatively charged anions.

This transfer of electrons is a critical aspect of ionic bonding and differentiates ionic compounds from covalent compounds, where atoms share electrons rather than transferring them. The nature of this electron transfer results in the distinct properties of ionic compounds, such as high melting and boiling points, and their ability to conduct electricity when dissolved in water or melted.