What causes Ionic bonds to form? Use NaCl (table salt) as an example to explain the formation of ionic bonds.

it is a very common question and common example too. i would love to answer. Most people say it is the bond formed due to the transfer of electrons, but this explanstion is not complete.

Ionic bond is the bond formed due to strong electrostatic forces of attraction between two oppositely charged ions.

here is the complete reaction that takes place.

Na ———> Na⁺ + 1e^–

here sodium looses one electron and becomes cation

Cl + 1e^– —-> Cl^–

here chlorine gains an electron and becomes anion

now these two ions being oppositely charged, attract each other

 Na⁺+Cl^– —-> NaCl

hope you like it