Chemical bonding is the process by which atoms combine to form molecules or compounds. It is essential for understanding the behavior and properties of substances. At the core of chemical bonding lies the concept of valence electrons. Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom and are responsible for an atom's ability to form bonds. The arrangement of these electrons in an atom is known as its electron configuration, which determines the element's chemical properties.

The goal of chemical bonding is to achieve stability by fulfilling the octet rule. This rule states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons in order to acquire a full outer shell of eight electrons, similar to the noble gases. This electron redistribution can occur through ionic, covalent, or metallic bonding.

Let's consider an example of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) atoms. Sodium has one valence electron, while chlorine has seven. In order to achieve stability, sodium donates its valence electron to chlorine, forming an ionic bond. The resulting compound NaCl is known as table salt. This process of electron transfer creates two ions: a positively charged sodium ion (Na+) and a negatively charged chloride ion (Cl-).

Chemical bonding plays a crucial role in various real-life applications. For instance, the formation of covalent bonds is essential in the creation of many organic compounds found in daily life, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Understanding chemical bonding also helps explain the unique properties of different types of materials, ranging from the conductivity of metals due to their metallic bonding to the strength and rigidity of materials like diamond, which is composed of covalent bonds between carbon atoms.