Ionic Bonding is where electrons are given from a non-metal or a non-metal compound (eg SO42-) to a metal. Therefore, this form of bonding needs a metal and a non - metal (compound). The atoms/compounds pass electrons to make themselves more stable and to give them the structure of the noble gases. This tranfer creates oppositely charged ions. Metals become positively charged ions called cations while non-metals become negatively charged ions called anions. The forces of electrostatic attraction creates the ionic bond between the charged ions.