Ionic Compounds

• What are ionic compounds primarily composed of?

  Ionic compounds are composed of ions.
• How do dot and cross diagrams represent ionic bonding?

  They show the arrangement of electrons in an atom or ion during a reaction.
• What does each dot or cross represent in a dot and cross diagram?

  Each dot or cross represents an electron.
• What happens to the sodium atom in the formation of sodium chloride (NaCl)?

  The sodium atom gives up its outer electron, becoming a Na⁺ ion.
• What does the chlorine atom do in the formation of sodium chloride (NaCl)?

  The chlorine atom picks up an electron, becoming a Cl^- ion.
• What is the charge of the sodium ion after it loses its outer electron?

  The sodium ion has a charge of +1 (Na⁺).
• What is the charge of the chloride ion after it gains an electron?

  The chloride ion has a charge of -1 (Cl^-).
• How does magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) form?

  The magnesium atom gives up its two outer electrons, becoming an Mg²⁺ ion, while two chlorine atoms each gain one electron, becoming two Cl^- ions.
• What do dot and cross diagrams fail to show about ionic compounds?

  They do not show the structure of the compound.
• What type of structure do ionic compounds have?

  Ionic compounds have a giant ionic lattice structure.
• What holds the ions together in an ionic compound?

  Strong electrostatic forces of attraction hold the oppositely charged ions together.
• What is a single crystal of sodium chloride described as?

  A single crystal of sodium chloride is one giant ionic lattice.
• What does a ball and stick model show about ionic compounds?

  A ball and stick model shows how the ions are arranged in the compound.
• Why do ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points?

  They have high melting and boiling points due to the strong attraction between the ions.
• Why can't solid ionic compounds conduct electricity?

  Solid ionic compounds can't conduct electricity because the ions are fixed in place and can't move.
• What happens to ionic compounds when they melt?

  When ionic compounds melt, the ions are free to move and will carry an electric charge.
• Why do many ionic compounds dissolve easily in water?

  Many ionic compounds dissolve easily in water because the ions separate and are free to move in the solution.
• How do dissolved ions in water behave in terms of electricity?

  Dissolved ions in water can carry an electric charge.