Ionic compounds are compounds formed by the transfer of electrons between a metal and a nonmetal. They consist of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions) held together by electrostatic forces.
Related terms
Cations: Positively charged ions formed when atoms lose electrons.
Anions: Negatively charged ions formed when atoms gain electrons.
Electrostatic forces: Forces of attraction between oppositely charged particles.