* Electronegativity Difference: Sodium has a low electronegativity (0.93), while chlorine has a high electronegativity (3.16). This large difference in electronegativity means chlorine has a much stronger attraction for electrons.

* Electron Transfer: Sodium loses its single valence electron to become a positively charged sodium ion (Na+). Chlorine gains this electron to become a negatively charged chloride ion (Cl-).

* Electrostatic Attraction: The oppositely charged ions are then attracted to each other due to electrostatic forces, forming an ionic bond.

In summary: The bond between sodium and chlorine involves the transfer of an electron, creating ions that are then held together by electrostatic attraction. This is the characteristic of an ionic bond.