Describe the steps involved in the formation of an ionic bond and the associated energy changes.

(N/A) The formation of an ionic bond involves three main energy steps:
$1$. Formation of the gaseous cation: This requires energy,known as the ionization enthalpy,which is always endothermic.
$2$. Formation of the gaseous anion: This releases energy,known as the electron gain enthalpy,which is typically exothermic.
$3$. Formation of the ionic solid: The gaseous ions combine to form a crystal lattice,releasing a large amount of energy known as the lattice enthalpy,which is highly exothermic.