Ionic Bonds

When atoms gain or lose electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration they form ions. Ionic bonds are electrostatic attractions between ions with opposite charges. Ionic compounds are rigid and brittle when solid and may dissociate into their constituent ions in water. Covalent compounds, by contrast, remain intact unless a chemical ...

An ionic bond is a non-covalent attraction that holds two oppositely charged ions together, such as the sodium cation and chloride anion in sodium chloride.

In this case, sodium transfers its single valence electron to chlorine. This electron transfer completes the octet of electrons in each combining atom, making them more stable.

T...