Ionic interactions occur between charged particles, known as ions, which are formed when atoms gain or lose electrons. These interactions are a type of electrostatic force, where positively charged ions, or cations, attract negatively charged ions, or anions. This attraction helps to stabilize compounds, such as in the formation of sodium chloride (table salt), where sodium donates an electron to chlorine. These interactions are crucial in various biological and chemical processes. For example, ionic interactions play a significant role in the structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids, influencing how these molecules fold and interact with each other. Understanding ionic interactions is essential in fields like biochemistry and materials science.