Ionic bonds form when a metal atom loses one or more electrons to become a positively charged cation, and a nonmetal atom gains these electrons to become a negatively charged anion. The oppositely charged ions are then attracted to each other through electrostatic forces, forming a strong ionic bond.

Here's a breakdown:

* Metals tend to have low ionization energies, meaning they easily lose electrons to form positive ions (cations).

* Nonmetals tend to have high electron affinities, meaning they readily gain electrons to form negative ions (anions).

* The attraction between the oppositely charged ions is called an electrostatic force, which is very strong and results in the formation of a stable ionic compound.

Example:

Sodium (Na), a metal, easily loses one electron to become Na⁺. Chlorine (Cl), a nonmetal, readily gains one electron to become Cl⁻. The oppositely charged ions Na⁺ and Cl⁻ attract each other through electrostatic forces, forming the ionic compound sodium chloride (NaCl), commonly known as table salt.