---
title: "Ionic Bonds — AP Chem Definition, Coulomb's Law & Exam Guide"
description: "Ionic bonds are electrostatic attractions between cations and anions. AP Chem tests them with Coulomb's law, lattice energy, melting points, and solubility."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-chem/key-terms/ionic-bonds"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Chemistry"
---

# Ionic Bonds — AP Chem Definition, Coulomb's Law & Exam Guide

## Definition

Ionic bonds are chemical bonds formed through the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions (cations and anions).

## Related Study Guides

- [2.2 Intramolecular Force and Potential Energy ](/ap-chem/unit-2/intramolecular-force-potential-energy/study-guide/2ybBItwMrCkB9MAOO9lC)
- [1.8 Valence Electrons and Ionic Compounds](/ap-chem/unit-1/valence-electrons-ionic-compounds/study-guide/XTtinEfGPR0jEJmpUuBx)
- [3.1 Intermolecular and Interparticle Forces](/ap-chem/unit-3/intermolecular-forces/study-guide/aq9pSoNJoW70eCdben01)
- [4.4 Physical and Chemical Changes](/ap-chem/unit-4/physical-vs-chemical-changes/study-guide/klo7E1MlmIr8w2mRq9jA)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Ions: These are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost one or more electrons, giving them a positive or negative charge.
- Salt (NaCl): This is a common example of an ionic compound formed by the ionic bonding of sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) ions.
- [Crystal Lattice](/ap-chem/key-terms/crystal-lattice): This is a structure formed by repeating patterns of ions in an ionic compound, held together by ionic bonds.