Which of the following is true about ionic bonds?

Ionic bonds are formed through the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of charged ions. In an ionic bond, one atom, typically a metal, donates an electron to another atom, usually a nonmetal, which accepts the electron. This transfer creates positively charged cations and negatively charged anions, which are then held together by the electrostatic forces between them.

This mechanism is fundamental to understanding ionic bonds, as it centers on the acceptance of electrons by one atom, leading to the stabilization of the resulting ion pairs. Therefore, the statement regarding one atom accepting an electron accurately reflects the nature of ionic bonding and its underlying principles.

Other options misrepresent important characteristics of ionic bonds: sharing of electrons describes covalent bonding; the combination of two nonmetals typically results in covalent bonds; and while ionic bonds are generally strong, they can vary in strength depending on the specific elements involved but are generally stronger than other bond types such as van der Waals interactions.