The attraction between sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-) forms ionic bonds, which result in the formation of the compound sodium chloride (NaCl), commonly known as table salt.

Here's why:

* Sodium (Na) is a metal with one valence electron. It readily loses this electron to achieve a stable electron configuration.

* Chlorine (Cl) is a nonmetal with seven valence electrons. It readily gains one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration.

* When sodium loses its electron, it becomes a positively charged ion (Na+).

* When chlorine gains an electron, it becomes a negatively charged ion (Cl-).

* The opposite charges of these ions attract each other strongly, forming an ionic bond.

This strong electrostatic attraction between the positive and negative ions creates a stable crystal lattice structure in sodium chloride.