What is formed when one or more electrons are transferred from one atom to another?

The formation of an ionic bond occurs when one or more electrons are transferred from one atom to another. This process typically happens between a metal atom and a non-metal atom. When a metal atom, which has a tendency to lose electrons and form positively charged ions (cations), comes into contact with a non-metal atom, which tends to gain electrons and form negatively charged ions (anions), the transfer of electrons creates two oppositely charged ions. The electrostatic attraction between these ions results in the formation of an ionic bond.

This bond is characterized by the strong attractive forces between cations and anions, leading to the formation of ionic compounds, which often exhibit high melting and boiling points and can conduct electricity when dissolved in water or melted. In contrast, covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms, hydrogen bonds are weaker interactions involving hydrogen atoms, and Van der Waals forces are weak attractions between molecules due to temporary dipoles.