An Ionic bond is formed when one of the atoms can donate electrons to achieve the inert gas electron configuration and the other atom needs electrons to achieve the inert gas electron configuration.

A dot and cross diagram models the transfer of electrons from metal atoms to non-metal atoms. The electrons from one atom are shown as dots, and the electrons from the other atom are shown as crosses.

Chemical bonding is the force of attraction that holds atoms together to form molecules or compounds. There are two primary types of chemical bonds: ionic and covalent bonds. Both these bonds play a ...

Listen to the full series on BBC Sounds. Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points, so they are in the solid state at room temperature. See the study guide on the three states of matter to ...