Final answer:
An ionic compound consists of a crystalline network of cations and anions bound by electrostatic attractions, forming an electrically neutral structure like the crystal lattice in sodium chloride.
Step-by-step explanation:
An ionic compound is a crystalline network of positive and negative ions mutually attracted to one another. In an ionic solid, these ions are bound together by strong electrostatic attractions, forming a solid structure. Ionic bonding occurs when atoms transfer electrons between each other, resulting in positively charged cations and negatively charged anions. A common example of an ionic compound is sodium chloride (NaCl), where sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl−) are held together in a crystal lattice. Each ion becomes surrounded by ions of the opposite charge, creating an electrically neutral substance. The strength of the ionic bond depends on the magnitude of the charges and the distance between the ions, with higher charges and shorter distances creating stronger bonds.