Ionic Bond - GCSE Chemistry Definition

An ionic bond is the electrostatic force of attraction between oppositely charged ions. It forms when a metal gives away one or more of its electrons to form a cation, and a non-metal accepts these electrons to become an anion. This happens because atoms want to have a full outer shell of electrons, which makes them more stable. These opposite charges attract each other, holding the ions together in a stable arrangement. A common example of an ionic compound is sodium chloride (table salt), which forms when sodium, a metal, bonds with chlorine, a non-metal.