* Ionic Compounds: These compounds are formed by the electrostatic attraction between positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions).

* Aluminum potassium sulfate:

* Aluminum (Al) forms a +3 cation (Al³⁺).

* Potassium (K) forms a +1 cation (K⁺).

* Sulfate (SO₄) forms a -2 anion (SO₄²⁻).

The compound is held together by the electrostatic attraction between these ions. This is a defining characteristic of ionic compounds.