Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of chemical bond: An electrostatic bond is a chemical bond formed through the complete transfer of one or more electrons from one atom to another. This transfer creates ions—a positively charged cation (from the atom that lost electrons) and a negatively charged anion (from the atom that gained electrons). The bond is the result of the strong electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions.

Usage

• Noun:
  • Sodium chloride is formed by an electrostatic bond between sodium and chlorine ions.
  • The crystal lattice of salt is held together by strong electrostatic bonds.

Advanced Usage

• "Ionic bond": This is the more common and precise synonym for an electrostatic bond in chemistry. The term "electrostatic bond" explicitly highlights the nature of the force (electrostatic attraction) involved.
  • The properties of this mineral are determined by the strength of its ionic (electrostatic) bonds.

Variants and Related Words

• Ionic bond (n): A direct synonym for electrostatic bond.
• Electrostatic attraction (n): The fundamental force that holds an ionic/electrostatic bond together. It is the attraction between positive and negative charges.
• Ionic compound (n): A compound formed as a result of electrostatic/ionic bonding.

Synonyms

• Ionic bond: The standard term in chemistry.
• Electrovalent bond: A less common synonym, also emphasizing the transfer of valence electrons.

Related Phrases

• "Form an electrostatic bond": To create an ionic bond through electron transfer.
  • Magnesium and oxygen can form an electrostatic bond to create magnesium oxide.
• "Strength of the electrostatic bond": Refers to how strongly the ions are held together, which depends on their charges and sizes.
  • The high melting point indicates the great strength of the electrostatic bonds in this compound.

Noun

1. a chemical bond in which one atom loses an electron to form a positive ion and the other atom gains an electron to form a negative ion