1. Ionic bonding: This occurs between the ammonium ion (NH₄⁺) and the chloride ion (Cl⁻). The ammonium ion forms through a covalent bond between nitrogen and four hydrogen atoms, resulting in a positively charged ion. The chloride ion has a negative charge due to gaining an electron. The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions forms the ionic bond that holds the compound together.
2. Covalent bonding: This type of bonding exists *within* the ammonium ion (NH₄⁺). Nitrogen shares electrons with four hydrogen atoms to form four covalent bonds, which give the ammonium ion its positive charge.
Therefore, while the overall structure of NH₄Cl is held together by ionic bonds, the ammonium ion itself is formed by covalent bonding.