Answer:
a. They are composed of anions and cations
Explanation:
Ionic compounds are molecules in which the constituent atoms are connected by ionic bonds.
Ionic bonds are formed by the transfer of electrons from one atom to the other. The atom that loses electrons becomes positively charged and referred to as a cation. Whereas, the atom that gains electrons becomes negatively charged i.e. an anion.
For example, common salt (sodium chloride) NaCl is an ionic compound which is essentially Na⁺Cl⁻.
Thus, ionic compounds are composed of anions and cations.
Considering the definition of ionic bond, the correct answer is option a): Ionic compounds are composed of anions and cations.
An ionic bond is produced between metallic and non-metallic atoms, where electrons are completely transferred from one atom to another.
During this process, one atom loses electrons and another one gains them, forming ions.
Usually, the metal gives up its electrons forming a cation to the nonmetal element, which forms an anion. In this way, the octet rule is fulfilled, which establishes that the atoms of the elements bind each other in the attempt to complete their valence layer, leaving the atom stable with 8 electrons in its last layer.
Finally, the correct answer is option a): Ionic compounds are composed of anions and cations.
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