Why are ions held together in a ionic bond?

Answer 1

Cations have a positive charge e.g. M^+

Anions have a negative charge e.g. X^-

Becausethey have opposite charges they are attracted to each other, by electrostatic force.

Ther analogy is two different magnets. The north pole of one magnet is attracted to the south pole of the other magnet.

However, the two north poles will repel as will the two south poles.

So a Cation M^+ will combine with an anion X^-

M^+ + X^- = MX .

Hover the charges MUST also baloance.

So a cation of M^(2+) will need two anions of X^-

M^(2+) + 2X^- = MX2

2M^+ + X^(2-) = M2X

Answer 2

Ions are held together in an ionic bond because of the strong electrostatic attraction between the positively charged cation and the negatively charged anion. This attraction is due to the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of oppositely charged ions that are held together by their mutual attraction.

Answer 3

Ionic bonds are formed by the attraction between oppositely charge ions.