* Sodium (Na) is a metal and tends to lose one electron to become a positively charged ion (Na+).
* Chlorine (Cl) is a nonmetal and tends to gain one electron to become a negatively charged ion (Cl-).
* Electrostatic Attraction: The oppositely charged ions (Na+ and Cl-) are strongly attracted to each other due to electrostatic forces, forming an ionic bond.
This strong electrostatic attraction between the ions is what gives ionic compounds like sodium chloride their characteristic properties, such as:
* High melting and boiling points: The strong ionic bonds require a lot of energy to break.
* Solubility in water: Water molecules can surround and separate the ions, dissolving the compound.
* Conductivity in the molten or dissolved state: The free-moving ions can carry electrical current.
