Final answer:
An ionic bond describes the electrostatic interactions between atoms with opposite electrical charges. The strength of this bond depends on charge magnitude and distance between ions, playing a key role in the structure and stability of ionic compounds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for the electrostatic interactions between atoms with opposite electrical charges is known as an ionic bond. An ionic bond is the result of the electrostatic attraction that holds ions together in an ionic compound. This type of bond is crucial for the formation of compounds where a cation (positively charged ion) and an anion (negatively charged ion) come together. The strength of the ionic bond depends on the magnitude of the charges involved and the distance between the ions: for example, a 2+ cation creates a stronger bond than a 1+ cation, while a larger ion tends to make a weaker ionic bond due to a larger electron-nucleus distance. It's important to note that these electrostatic forces are also referred to as intermolecular forces when they occur between molecules in a substance, which are most impactful in solids and liquids.