What is the nature of an ionic bond?

An ionic bond is characterized by the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. This occurs when one atom loses one or more electrons, becoming a positively charged ion (cation), while another atom gains those electrons, resulting in a negatively charged ion (anion). The strong attraction between these ions, due to their opposite charges, creates a stable ionic compound.

This interaction is fundamental to the formation of ionic bonds, which are typically formed between metals and non-metals, where the metal tends to lose electrons and the non-metal tends to gain them. As a result, ionic compounds tend to have high melting and boiling points and are often soluble in water, showcasing the strength and stability of the ionic bond formed through this electrostatic attraction.