What best defines ionic bonding?

Ionic bonding is best defined as the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. This type of bond occurs when one atom donates an electron to another atom, leading to the formation of ions: one positively charged (cation) and the other negatively charged (anion). The strong attraction between these opposite charges results in a stable ionic compound. This bond typically forms between metals, which lose electrons and become cations, and nonmetals, which gain electrons to become anions.

The formation of ionic bonds contributes to the high melting and boiling points of ionic compounds, and it explains their characteristic properties such as electrical conductivity when dissolved in water or melted. Understanding this definition is crucial for grasping how ionic compounds function and their behavior in various chemical interactions.