A chemical bond formed by the complete transfer of one or more electrons from one atom to another is called what type of bond?

Introduction / Context:
This basic chemistry question covers the classification of chemical bonds based on how electrons are distributed between atoms. The three common types are ionic, covalent, and coordinate bonds. Understanding the difference between electron transfer and electron sharing is a foundation for predicting compound properties, such as melting point, solubility, and electrical conductivity.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question describes a bond formed by the transfer of electrons from one atom to another.
- The options are ionic bond, covalent bond, coordinate bond, and none of these.
- We assume simple textbook definitions of these bonding types.

Concept / Approach:
In an ionic bond, one atom loses electrons to become a positively charged ion, while another atom gains those electrons to become a negatively charged ion. The electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions holds them together. In covalent bonding, atoms share electron pairs rather than transfer them completely. A coordinate bond is a special type of covalent bond where both shared electrons in the bond pair originate from the same atom. Therefore, a bond described explicitly as being formed by transfer of electrons fits the definition of an ionic bond.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that ionic bonding occurs when one atom completely transfers one or more valence electrons to another atom, forming ions.
Step 2: After the transfer, the atom that loses electrons becomes a cation and the atom that gains electrons becomes an anion.
Step 3: The electrostatic force of attraction between the cation and anion is what constitutes the ionic bond.
Step 4: In covalent bonding, atoms share electron pairs so that each can achieve a stable electron configuration. No full transfer takes place.
Step 5: A coordinate bond also involves sharing, but both electrons in the shared pair come from one atom. This is still a form of covalent bonding, not electron transfer.
Step 6: Since the question clearly emphasises complete transfer of electrons, the correct name is ionic bond.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard examples help verify the classification. Sodium chloride NaCl is formed when sodium transfers one electron to chlorine, producing Na plus and Cl minus. The attraction between these ions forms an ionic lattice. On the other hand, the bond between two hydrogen atoms in H2 is covalent because they share electrons. Ammonium ion NH4 plus contains a coordinate bond from nitrogen to hydrogen. These well known cases align with the definitions and confirm that electron transfer is characteristic of ionic bonds.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Covalent bond: This bond involves sharing of electrons between atoms, not complete transfer, so it does not match the description in the question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong (continued):
- Coordinate bond: This is a type of covalent bond where a lone pair from one atom forms a shared pair with another atom. It still involves sharing, not transfer.
- None of these: This is incorrect because ionic bond is a standard category that fits the description.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may confuse electron transfer and sharing, especially in polar covalent bonds where electron density is uneven. Another mistake is to think that coordinate bonds are fundamentally different from covalent bonds. It is helpful to remember that ionic bonds arise from full electron transfer and electrostatic attraction, whereas covalent and coordinate bonds arise from shared electron pairs. Keeping these distinctions clear reduces confusion in more advanced topics like Lewis structures and molecular geometry.

Final Answer:
Ionic bond is the term used for a bond formed by the complete transfer of one or more electrons from one atom to another.