Ionic bonds happen when atoms give away and take electrons from each other. This usually happens between a metal and a non-metal.

In this process:

• The metal loses electrons. When it does this, it becomes a cation, which is a positively charged ion.
• The non-metal gains those electrons. This makes it an anion, which is a negatively charged ion.

Here are some important things about ionic bonds:

• They have high melting and boiling points.
• They can dissolve in water.
• They can conduct electricity when they are dissolved in water or melted.
• They form crystal structures.

These qualities make ionic compounds really interesting in chemistry!