Atomic structure is really important when it comes to making ionic bonds. Ionic bonds are a type of connection that happens between two ions. Let's break it down step by step!

1. What is Atomic Structure?
   Atoms are the tiny building blocks of everything around us. They are made up of three main parts:
   • Protons: which have a positive charge.
   • Neutrons: which have no charge (they're neutral).
   • Electrons: which have a negative charge.

The way electrons are arranged, especially in the outer layer (called the valence shell), affects how an atom interacts with other atoms.

2. How Ions are Made:
   Atoms may lose, gain, or share electrons to become more stable. Often, they try to look like the nearest noble gas (which is very stable). Here are a couple of examples:

   • Sodium (Na) has one electron in its outer shell. It usually loses that electron to have a full shell. This creates a positively charged ion called Na$^+$.
   • Chlorine (Cl) needs one more electron to fill its outer shell. When it gains that electron, it becomes a negatively charged ion called Cl$^-$.

3. What are Ionic Bonds?
   When sodium and chlorine come together, their opposite charges attract each other. This leads to the formation of NaCl, which is common table salt.

This example shows how atomic structure plays a big role in making ionic bonds.

Understanding these basic ideas about atomic structure will help you grasp how ionic bonds work!