Which shows the correct order of steps during the formation of an ionic bond?
a: ions are attracted to each other → electrons are transferred → an ionic compound forms
b: an ionic compound forms → ions are attracted to each other → electrons are transferred
c: electrons are transferred → ions form → ions are attracted to each other
d: ions form → electrons are transferred → ions are attracted to each other

Before going to answer this question first we have to understand the basics that lies during the formation of an ionic compound.

Generally an ionic compound is formed between  electropositive and electronegative elements.

Normally every element wants to occupy the inert gas configuration in order to be stable.During the ionic bond formation the electropositive metal will lose the electrons and forms cation. The electronegative metal will gain the the electrons and forms anion.

The cation is positively charged and anion is negatively charged. Due to the coulombic force of attraction, the ions will be attracted towards each other and forms ionic compound.

One can take the exampale of NaCl where Na will lose one electron  and forms . Chlorine will take one electron  and forms .These ions are attracted and  sodium chloride is formed.

Hence the formation of an ionic compound follows these steps-

1- First electrons are transferred.

2-The ions are formed

3-The ions are attracted to form the compound

Hence option C is right.

it is a negative acceleration