What defines an ionic bond?

An ionic bond is specifically characterized by the electrostatic attraction that occurs between two ions with opposite charges. This type of bond forms when one atom donates an electron to another atom, resulting in the formation of positively charged cations and negatively charged anions. The strong attraction between these oppositely charged ions is what defines the ionic bond, leading to the creation of ionic compounds, such as sodium chloride.

This type of bond is distinct from covalent bonds, where atoms share electrons, or from interactions involving neutral atoms or nonpolar molecules, which do not involve charged species. Therefore, understanding that an ionic bond fundamentally relies on the interaction between charged particles helps clarify the nature and behavior of ionic compounds in various chemical contexts.