In the formation of __________ bond, the cations and anions are held together by electrostatic force. (electrovalent/covalent)

Explanation

To answer the question, "In the formation of __________ bond, the cations and anions are held together by electrostatic force," we need to analyze the two types of chemical bonds: ionic (or electrovalent) bonds and covalent bonds.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Ionic Bonds**: Ionic bonds, also known as electrovalent bonds, are formed when there is a transfer of electrons from one atom to another. This results in the formation of charged particles known as ions.

2. **Formation of Ions**: In an ionic bond, one atom loses electrons to become a positively charged ion (cation), while another atom gains those electrons to become a negatively charged ion (anion). For example, in sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium (Na) loses one electron to become Na⁺, and chlorine (Cl) gains that electron to become Cl⁻.

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