Final answer:
An ionic bond is formed between two oppositely charged ions when one atom loses electrons to become a cation and another gain those electrons to become an anion. The resulting electrostatic attraction between the ions forms the ionic bond. This arrangement is guided by the octet rule and results in a stable crystalline structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Description of Ionic Bonds
An ionic bond is a type of chemical bond formed between two oppositely charged ions. This bond occurs when one atom, typically a metal, loses one or more electrons to become a positively charged cation, while another atom, typically a nonmetal, gains those electrons to become a negatively charged anion. The ionic bond is the result of the electrostatic force of attraction between these oppositely charged ions.
Mechanism Underlying Ionic Bonds
The formation of an ionic bond involves the complete transfer of electrons from an atom with a lower electronegativity (electropositive) to an atom with a higher electronegativity (electronegative). The loss of electrons by the electropositive atom forms a cation, whereas the gain of electrons by the electronegative atom forms an anion. According to the octet rule, atoms tend to bond in a manner that allows them to attain the electron configuration of a noble gas, usually resulting in eight electrons in their outermost shell. The resulting ionic compounds are typically structured in a three-dimensional crystalline lattice that maximizes attractive interactions and minimizes repulsive ones, thereby ensuring stability.