what characteristic ionic bonds can be used to explain the properties of ionic compounds
An ionic bond is a bond between ions with opposite charges. Cations (positively charged ions) cannot exist without anions (negatively charged ions). An electron released by an atom to from a cation must be accepted by another atom to form an anion. Cations and anions are formed in many chemical reactions by the transfer of one or more electrons from one element to another. Ionic bonds are formed by a strong attraction between positive and negative ions. Characteristics of Ionic compounds. Some important characteristics of ionic compounds are as follows. 1. Ionic compounds are hard and rigid due to strong forces of attraction between the oppositely charged ions.