Ions formed during Ionic Bonding

AbsoluteZer0

Hi,

I have a question about ions formed during ionic bonding.

Is this correct? "Sodium bonds with Chlorine to form Sodium Chloride (NaCl.) Sodium loses one electron & forms a positively charged ion and Chlorine gains one & forms a negatively charged ion."

If this is correct, when they bond do the atoms become ions or do they release them? I'm not very privy to chemistry.

Thanks,

Borek

Technically atoms become ions first (by exchanging an electron), then they are attracted to each other by the electrostatic forces.