Final answer:
An ionic bond is the electrostatic attraction that holds together ions with opposite charges in an ionic compound, such as sodium and chlorine forming table salt.
Step-by-step explanation:
The electrostatic attraction that binds oppositely charged ions together is known as an ionic bond. This type of chemical bond is fundamental in the formation of ionic compounds where electrons are transferred from one atom to another, such as the formation of table salt from sodium and chlorine.
Ions are created when atoms either lose or gain electrons, leading to the formation of cations (positively charged) and anions (negatively charged). The electrostatic attraction between these ions of opposite charge results in a stable ionic structure. For instance, a sodium ion (Na+) will form a stronger ionic bond with a 2+ charge than with a 1+ charge due to the increased electrostatic attraction.