What is an ionic bond?

An ionic bond occurs between a metal and a non-metal. It is the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions, where electrons are transferred to make ions. Ions that are ionically bonded are held in a giant ionic lattice. This is very strong and takes a lot of energy to overcome, therefore melting and boiling points are high. Ionic compounds only conduct electricity when molten or dissolved in water, as only in this way do they have mobile charged particles that can carry a current.