Here's why:
* Electron Transfer: In an ionic bond, one atom (typically a metal) loses an electron, becoming a positively charged ion (cation). The other atom (typically a nonmetal) gains that electron, becoming a negatively charged ion (anion).
* Electrostatic Attraction: The opposite charges of the cation and anion attract each other strongly, creating a strong electrostatic force that holds the ions together in a crystal lattice structure.
Example: In table salt (NaCl), sodium (Na) loses an electron to become a sodium ion (Na+), while chlorine (Cl) gains that electron to become a chloride ion (Cl-). The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions creates the ionic bond that forms sodium chloride.
