What is an ionic compound and how do they form?

When metals react with non-metals, electrons are transferred from the metal atoms to the non-metal atoms, forming ions.  The resulting compound is called an ionic compound.

A few examples of ionic reactions between metals and non metals include: sodium chloride which is formed when sodium and chlorine react together.

The metal atoms give electrons to the non-metal atoms.  The metal atoms become positie ions and the non-metal atoms become negative ions..

There is a strong electrostatic force of attraction between these oppositely charges ions, called an ionic bond.