Ionic bonding is a type of chemical bond formed by the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. In the case of sodium chloride, the sodium atom loses one electron to the chlorine atom, resulting in the formation of positively charged sodium ions (Na+) and negatively charged chloride ions (Cl-). These ions are then held together by the electrostatic forces of attraction between them, forming the ionic compound sodium chloride (NaCl).
