What best describes ionic bonds?

Ionic bonds are best described as forming when one atom transfers electrons to another. This process involves the complete transfer of one or more electrons from a metal atom, which becomes a positively charged ion (cation), to a nonmetal atom, which becomes a negatively charged ion (anion). This transfer leads to the formation of ions that are held together by electrostatic forces due to their opposite charges. This is a key characteristic of ionic bonding, distinguishing it from covalent bonding, which involves the sharing of electrons between atoms.

The description of ionic bonds highlights the nature of the interaction between different types of elements, particularly metals and nonmetals, facilitating the formation of ionic compounds such as sodium chloride. Understanding this fundamental principle of ionic bonding is critical for grasping broader concepts in chemistry related to compound formation and properties.