In ionic bonding, an electron is transferred from one nucleus to another.
What I don't understand, is how this "bonds" the two atoms together. Why don't the two atoms just bounce away and float off after the electron transfer takes place?
When the electron is transferred (let's assume it is one electron that is transferred), the metal atom (for example, Na) is changed to an ion (Na^+) which carries a + charge and the non-metal atom (for example Cl) is changed to an ion (Cl^-) which carries a negative charge. This attraction of the + charge for the negative charge (and the reverse is true, too, of course) is the bond in an ionic bond. They don't bounce away from each other because of the attractive force between them.
Ah, makes sense. Thanks!
In ionic bonding, an electron is indeed transferred from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of two charged particles called ions. One of the atoms loses an electron and becomes a positively charged ion (cation), while the other atom gains an electron and becomes a negatively charged ion (anion).
Now, let's address your question regarding how these oppositely charged ions are held together, rather than bouncing away. The answer lies in the electrostatic force of attraction that exists between the positive and negative charges.
The positively charged cation and negatively charged anion attract each other due to their opposite charges. This attraction is known as the ionic bond and is quite strong, holding the two ions together to form an ionic compound. The magnitude of this force depends on the charge of the ions and the distance between them.
The electrostatic attraction between the ions is similar to the attraction between the opposite poles of magnets. Just as the opposite poles of magnets stick together, the positive and negative charges of the ions attract and hold them together in an ionic bond.
Therefore, even though an electron is transferred between the atoms, the resulting charged ions remain attracted to each other, forming a stable bond. The strength of the ionic bond is what prevents the atoms from simply bouncing away after the electron transfer occurs.