How is an ionic bond formed?

An ionic bond is formed through the transfer of electrons from one atom to another. This process typically occurs between atoms that have significantly different electronegativities, such as a metal and a non-metal. The metal atom, which has a lower electronegativity, loses one or more electrons, resulting in a positively charged ion (cation). Conversely, the non-metal atom, with a higher electronegativity, gains these electrons, becoming a negatively charged ion (anion).

The electrostatic attraction between the positively charged cation and the negatively charged anion creates the ionic bond, solidifying the compound's structure. This transfer and subsequent attraction lead to the characteristic properties of ionic compounds, such as high melting and boiling points, as well as the ability to conduct electricity when dissolved in water. Understanding this fundamental mechanism is crucial in fields like chemistry and materials science, where ionic bonds play a key role in the formation and stability of various substances.