Describe ionic bonding as electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.

Ionic bonding is defined as the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. This occurs when atoms transfer electrons, resulting in the formation of positive and negative ions. For example, when sodium (Na) loses an electron, it becomes a positively charged sodium ion (Na⁺), while chlorine (Cl) gains that electron to become a negatively charged chloride ion (Cl⁻). The strong attraction between these oppositely charged ions leads to the formation of an ionic bond, creating a stable ionic compound. This type of bonding is crucial in the formation of many salts, such as sodium chloride (NaCl).