In ionic bonding, electrons are not shared between anions and cations. Instead, electrons are transferred from the atom that will become the cation to the atom that will become the anion. This results in the formation of two oppositely charged ions that are then attracted to each other to form an ionic compound.

For example, when sodium and chlorine atoms react to form sodium chloride, the sodium atom transfers one of its valence electrons to the chlorine atom. This results in the formation of a sodium cation (Na+) and a chloride anion (Cl-). The sodium cation and chloride anion are then attracted to each other to form an ionic bond.

The strength of an ionic bond is determined by the difference in electronegativity between the two atoms involved. Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract electrons. The greater the difference in electronegativity between two atoms, the stronger the ionic bond between them.

Ionic bonding is a very strong type of bonding, and it is responsible for the formation of many common compounds, such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and calcium fluoride.