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.