Final answer:
Ionic bonds in sodium chloride are formed by the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged sodium and chloride ions, resulting in a stable crystalline compound.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ionic bonds, such as in sodium chloride, are formed by the association of ions with opposite charges. In particular, positively charged sodium ions (Na+) and negatively charged chloride ions (Cl−) bond together to create the crystalline structure of sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt. This compound demonstrates that the loss of electrons from a metal (sodium) and the gain of electrons by a nonmetal (chlorine) results in a stable compound due to the electrostatic attractions between the oppositely charged ions.