What type of bond results from the attraction between a negative anion and a positive cation?

The attraction between a negative anion and a positive cation forms an ionic bond. This type of bond occurs when one atom transfers electrons to another, resulting in the formation of charged particles. The cation, which is positively charged, arises from the loss of one or more electrons, while the anion, which is negatively charged, is formed by the gain of electrons. The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions holds them together in a stable compound.

In contrast, hydrogen bonds involve a hydrogen atom bonded to an electronegative atom like oxygen or nitrogen, and are generally weaker than ionic bonds. Covalent bonds occur when two atoms share electrons rather than transfer them, leading to a different type of bonding interaction. Metallic bonds involve a sea of shared electrons among a lattice of metal atoms, which is distinct from the attraction seen in ionic bonds. Understanding these differences is key to grasping how various types of chemical bonds contribute to the structure and properties of compounds.