* Ionic Bonding: Compounds are formed by the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.
* Positive Ions: Positive ions (cations) are formed when an atom loses electrons.
* Negative Ions: Negative ions (anions) are formed when an atom gains electrons.
For a compound to form, you need a positive ion (cation) and a negative ion (anion) to be attracted to each other. Two positive ions would repel each other.
Example:
* Sodium Chloride (NaCl): Sodium (Na) loses an electron to become a positive ion (Na+), while chlorine (Cl) gains an electron to become a negative ion (Cl-). The attraction between Na+ and Cl- forms the ionic compound NaCl.
