Which of the following best describes an ionic bond?

An ionic bond is best described as a bond formed through electrostatic attraction between ions. This type of bond occurs when one atom donates an electron to another atom, resulting in the formation of positively charged cations and negatively charged anions. The opposite charges of these ions create a strong electrostatic force that holds them together, which is what characterizes ionic bonding.

This bond typically forms between elements that have significantly different electronegativities, such as metals and nonmetals. For instance, sodium can donate an electron to chlorine, resulting in Na+ and Cl- ions, which are then attracted to each other to create sodium chloride (table salt).

In contrast, other descriptions like the sharing of electrons refer to covalent bonds rather than ionic ones, and stating that ionic bonds only occur in metals doesn't capture the broader context that includes nonmetals too. Additionally, while ionic bonds are generally strong, they are distinct from covalent bonds, which involve shared pairs of electrons, making the nature of their strengths different rather than simply one being weaker than the other. Thus, the defining characteristic of ionic bonds is indeed the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.