In what type of bond do atoms transfer electrons to achieve stability?

In an ionic bond, atoms transfer electrons from one to another in order to achieve a more stable electron configuration, typically resembling that of noble gases. This process involves one atom losing electrons to become a positively charged ion, while another atom gains those electrons to become a negatively charged ion. The resulting electrostatic attraction between the positively and negatively charged ions forms the ionic bond.

For instance, when sodium (Na) interacts with chlorine (Cl), sodium donates one electron to chlorine. As a result, sodium becomes a positively charged ion (Na⁺), and chlorine becomes a negatively charged ion (Cl⁻). The strong attraction between these oppositely charged ions leads to the creation of sodium chloride (table salt), showcasing the fundamental characteristic of ionic bonding as the transfer of electrons facilitates the formation of stable compounds.