Ionic bond

An ionic bond describes the electrostatic force between two ions with an opposing charge. The bond forms between a positive cation and a negative anion. An ionic bond forms when an atom donates an electron (in order to acheive a more stable configuration) which causes the atom to become positively charged. A second atom can then accept the electron, again to acheive a more stable electron configuration, causing it to become negatively charged. The difference in charge between these atoms then causes them to attract.