Ionic bonding

What is ionic bonding?

Ionic bonding is the electrostatic attraction between oppositely-charged ions, formed when atoms transfer electrons to achieve full outer shells. A metal donates electron(s) to become a positive cation; a non-metal accepts to become a negative anion. The resulting compound has high melting/boiling points, conducts electricity when molten or dissolved (free ions to carry charge), and is typically brittle. Examples: NaCl, MgO, CaCl₂.