* Ionic Bonds: NaCl forms through an ionic bond. Sodium (Na) is a metal and readily loses an electron to become a positively charged ion (Na+). Chlorine (Cl) is a nonmetal and readily gains an electron to become a negatively charged ion (Cl-). The strong electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions creates the ionic bond.
* Polar vs. Nonpolar Covalent Bonds: The terms "polar" and "nonpolar" are used to describe the types of covalent bonds, where atoms share electrons. Ionic bonds, like the one in NaCl, involve the complete transfer of electrons, not sharing.
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