What occurs during the transfer of electrons between two atoms?

During the transfer of electrons between two atoms, ionic bonds are formed, which typically occurs when one atom donates one or more electrons to another atom. This transfer leads to the creation of charged particles known as ions: the atom losing electrons becomes a positively charged cation, while the atom gaining electrons becomes a negatively charged anion. The resulting electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions is what forms the ionic bond.

In contrast, covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons rather than transferring them, which is not applicable in this case. The reduction of atomic size refers to changes in an atom's radius due to various factors, and the creation of isotopes involves variations in the number of neutrons within an atom's nucleus, rather than electron transfer. Hence, the correct understanding of electron transfer is fundamental to grasping the nature of ionic bonding.