Ionic Bonding

Ionic bonding is the process in which metals and nonmetals bond when one atom gives up and electron and another atom accepts the electron. The loss of an electron turns the one atom into a positive ion, while gaining an electron causes the other atom to become a negative ion. The force of attraction between the positive and negative ions is what holds the atoms together in ionic bonding.

The properties of ionic compounds are a result of the bonding process. Ionic bonds are very strong and produce hard, brittle crystals. As solids, they do not conduct electricity and they have high melting point because it requires a lot of energy to break the bonds between the ions. When ionic compounds are dissolved in water or melted the ions are free to move, and they will conduct electricity.

The videos below by Tyler Dewitt do a great job of explaining the process of ionic bonding.