* Sodium (Na) is a metal and readily loses an electron to become a positively charged ion (Na+).

* Chlorine (Cl) is a non-metal and readily gains an electron to become a negatively charged ion (Cl-).

* Electrostatic attraction: The opposite charges of the sodium and chloride ions attract each other strongly, forming an ionic bond. This strong attraction creates a repeating, three-dimensional structure known as a crystal lattice.

This strong ionic bonding is what gives table salt its characteristic hardness and high melting point.