In ionic bonds, how do atoms form chemical bonds?

In ionic bonds, atoms form chemical bonds by giving up or gaining electrons. This process involves the transfer of one or more electrons from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of charged particles known as ions. For instance, when sodium (Na) donates an electron, it becomes a positively charged ion (Na⁺). Conversely, when chlorine (Cl) gains that electron, it becomes a negatively charged ion (Cl⁻). The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions creates the ionic bond.

This method of bonding is distinct from covalent bonds, where atoms share electrons to achieve stability. In the context of ionic bonding, the focus is on the complete transfer of electrons, leading to the formation of ions, which then attract each other due to their opposite charges. This characteristic of ionic bonding is essential in understanding various chemical and physical properties of ionic compounds, such as their high melting points and electrical conductivity when dissolved in water.