* Electronegativity Difference: Sodium (Na) has a low electronegativity, while oxygen (O) has a high electronegativity. This large difference in electronegativity leads to the transfer of electrons from sodium to oxygen.
* Formation of Ions: Sodium loses one electron to form a positively charged sodium ion (Na⁺), and oxygen gains two electrons to form a negatively charged oxide ion (O²⁻).
* Electrostatic Attraction: The oppositely charged ions are held together by strong electrostatic forces, resulting in an ionic bond.
Therefore, sodium oxide is an ionic compound due to the presence of an ionic bond.
