Ionic Bonding (Electrovalent Bonding)
Ionic bonding, also known as electrovalent bonding, occurs when electrons are transferred from one atom to another. This fundamental process often occurs between metals and non-metals. The metal atom tends to lose one or more electrons, forming a positively charged ion (cation), while the non-metal atom gains these electrons, forming a negatively charged ion (anion).
A classic example is the formation of sodium chloride (NaCl), where sodium (Na) transfers one electron to chlorine (Cl). The result is a stable compound held together by the strong electrostatic attractions between the oppositely charged ions. The characteristics of ionic compounds generally include high melting and boiling points, solubility in water, and the ability to conduct electricity in molten or aqueous states due to the free movement of ions. Understanding ionic bonding is crucial to grasping how ions combine to form various compounds and their properties.