An ionic bond is an electrostatic force that holds atoms together through electron transference. Chemical compounds held together with ionic bonds separate in solution to form individual ions.

In their most stable configuration, the outer electron shells of an atom are evenly filled. If there are too many or too few electrons to evenly fill these shells, the atom will tend to lose or gain electrons to reach a lower energy state which is more stable. An atom's tendency to gain or lose electrons is measured by its electronegativity. A high electronegativity value means the atom tends to hold on to its electrons, while a low value means the atom is electropositive and tends to give them up. Electronegative and electropositive atoms can combine to form stable molecules. The magnitude of the difference between their electronegativity values determines the type of bond the atoms will form...