Bonding

Attraction of electrons
We saw earlier that atoms prefer to have certain electron configurations. We spoke of atoms losing and gaining electrons so that they achieve a certain stable electronic structure. That is, 8 electrons in their outer energy level, a full or an empty outer energy level. Atoms, though, do not have a brain with which to make decisions, and the ability to give or take electrons depends on electrostatic attraction between the positive nucleus and the negative electrons.
Electrostatic forces come about due to the attraction or repulsion between positive and negative charges. Electrostatic forces, much like magnetic forces, are very weak when acting over long distances.
The electrostatic force between two charged particles is inversely realted to their distance apart.
Electrostatic forces increase as the charge on each particle increases when distance remains the same The force increases as the distance between charges decreases or when the charge on each particle increases as the distance remains constant.

All matter in one way or another is held together by electrostatic forces. Attraction between opposite charged particles is what often holds matter together (except for the atomic nucleus).
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Now lets see how electrostatic forces relate to atomic behaviour.

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Attraction over long distances is very weak Attraction over short distances is very strong As the charge increases over the same distance, so does the electrostatic force of attraction. Moderate electrostatic attraction