A bonding between a metal and nonmetal is typically referred to as ionic bonding. In this type of chemical bond, electrons are transferred from the metal atom(s) to the nonmetal atom(s) resulting in the formation of charged particles known as ions. The metal atom(s) lose one or more electrons to become positively charged cations, while the nonmetal atom(s) gain one or more electrons to become negatively charged anions. The strong electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions holds them together in a solid lattice structure, forming an ionic compound.
