In an ionic bond, electrons are transferred from one atom to another, creating positive and negative ions. Typically, an ionic bond forms between a metal and a non-metal. The metal atom loses electrons, becoming positively charged, while the non-metal atom gains electrons, becoming negatively charged. The electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions holds the ionic compound together.

Sodium (Na) and Fluorine (F) are a common example of atoms that form an ionic bond. Sodium is a metal that tends to lose its outermost electron easily, while Fluorine is a non-metal that has a high electronegativity, meaning it strongly attracts electrons. When these two elements come together, Sodium transfers its outermost electron to Fluorine, resulting in the formation of Na+ and F- ions. The strong electrostatic attraction between Na+ and F- ions forms an ionic bond, leading to the compound Sodium Fluoride (NaF).