September 27, 2025

What Is An Ionic Bond

Q: What is the difference between an ionic and a covalent bond?

In an ionic bond, electrons are completely transferred from one atom to another. In a covalent bond, electrons are shared between atoms.

Q: What types of elements typically form ionic bonds?

Ionic bonds usually form between a metal, which tends to lose electrons, and a nonmetal, which tends to gain electrons.

Learn what an ionic bond is in chemistry. Understand how the transfer of electrons between atoms creates ions and forms compounds like table salt (NaCl).

Have More Questions →

Defining an Ionic Bond

An ionic bond is a type of chemical bond formed through the electrostatic attraction between two oppositely charged ions. This bond is created when one atom transfers one or more of its valence electrons to another atom.

Example: Sodium Chloride (Table Salt)

A classic example is the formation of table salt (NaCl). A sodium (Na) atom donates one electron to a chlorine (Cl) atom. This causes sodium to become a positively charged ion (Na+) and chlorine to become a negatively charged ion (Cl-). The strong attraction between these opposite charges forms the ionic bond that holds the compound together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an ionic and a covalent bond?

What types of elements typically form ionic bonds?