What is the primary force that binds particles in an ionic crystal?

In an ionic crystal, the primary force that binds particles together is electrostatic attraction. This occurs between positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions). When these ions come together, they form a lattice structure where each cation is surrounded by anions and vice versa. The strong electrostatic forces of attraction between these oppositely charged ions result in the characteristic stability and high melting points of ionic compounds.

Electrostatic attraction is a fundamental principle of ionic bonding. The larger the charge on the ions and the smaller the distance between them, the stronger the force of attraction will be, leading to the formation of a stable ionic lattice. This phenomenon is crucial for understanding the properties of ionic compounds, such as their electrical conductivity when melted or dissolved in water.