Flexi Says: An ionic bond is the force of attraction that holds together positive and negative ions. It forms when atoms of a metallic element give up electrons to atoms of a nonmetallic element.Ionic bonds form only between metals and nonmetals. That’s because metals “want” to give up electrons, and nonmetals “want” to gain electrons.It takes energy to remove valence electrons from an atom and form a positive ion. Energy is released when an atom gains valence electrons and forms a negative ion.
