Chemistry – Atoms, elements and compounds - Ions and ionic bonds | e-Consult

An ionic bond is a strong electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. This attraction arises because ionic compounds are formed through the transfer of electrons between atoms, typically between a metal and a non-metal.

• The metal atom loses electrons to become a positively charged ion (cation).
• The non-metal atom gains electrons to become a negatively charged ion (anion).
• The strong electrostatic force between these oppositely charged ions is the ionic bond.

The strength of the bond is due to the magnitude of the charges on the ions and the distance between them. Larger charges and smaller distances lead to a stronger electrostatic attraction, resulting in a stronger ionic bond. The electrostatic force is a fundamental force of attraction, making ionic bonds very difficult to break.