1. Sodium chloride (NaCl) - Table salt

* Sodium (Na) is a metal with one valence electron, which it readily loses to become a positively charged ion (Na+).

* Chlorine (Cl) is a nonmetal with seven valence electrons, readily gaining one electron to become a negatively charged ion (Cl-).

* The opposite charges attract, forming a strong electrostatic attraction between the sodium and chloride ions.

2. Magnesium oxide (MgO)

* Magnesium (Mg) is a metal with two valence electrons, losing both to become a positively charged ion (Mg2+).

* Oxygen (O) is a nonmetal with six valence electrons, gaining two electrons to become a negatively charged ion (O2-).

* Again, the opposite charges attract, forming an ionic bond between the magnesium and oxide ions.