An ionic bond forms when a metal atom transfers one or more electrons to a nonmetal atom, creating oppositely charged ions that are attracted to each other.

Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. Electron Transfer: A metal atom, which has a low ionization energy, readily loses one or more electrons from its outermost shell. This creates a positively charged ion (cation).

2. Nonmetal Gain: A nonmetal atom, which has a high electron affinity, readily gains one or more electrons to complete its outer shell. This creates a negatively charged ion (anion).

3. Electrostatic Attraction: The opposite charges of the cation and anion create a strong electrostatic attraction, holding them together in a rigid crystal lattice structure.

This transfer of electrons results in a stable arrangement where both atoms achieve a full outer shell of electrons, fulfilling the octet rule.

Key takeaways:

* Metal & Nonmetal: Ionic bonds occur between metals and nonmetals.

* Electron Transfer: Electrons are transferred, not shared.

* Opposite Charges: The resulting ions have opposite charges and attract each other.

* Crystal Lattice: The ions form a stable, rigid crystal lattice structure.

Example: Sodium (Na) and Chlorine (Cl) react to form Sodium Chloride (NaCl).

* Sodium loses one electron to become a positively charged Na+ ion.

* Chlorine gains one electron to become a negatively charged Cl- ion.

* The oppositely charged ions attract, forming the ionic compound NaCl.