Ionic bonding

• Define an ionic bond.


  An ionic bond is the electrostatic force of attraction between positvely charged ions and negatively charged ions, formed by electron transfer.
• How does charge affect ionic bonding?


  The greater the charge on the ions, the stronger the ionic bonding.
• How does size affect ionic bonding?


  The smaller the ions, the stronger the ionic bonding.
• Why is it that the smaller the ion is and the greater the charge on the ion the stronger the attraction between ions is?


  Due to a greater charge density within the structure.
• When are ions formed?


  When a metal reacts with a non-metal.
• How does a metal form a cation?


  The metal atom loses electrons
• How does a non-metal form an anion?


  The non-metal atom gains electrons.
• Why do ionic bonds form?


  To allow the atoms to gain complete outer shells.
• What are ionic bonds?


  The attraction between positive and negative ions.
• What are some common physical properties of ionic structures?


  Hard, brittle, high melting and boiling points.
• Why do ionic structures only conduct when molten or in solution?


  The charged ions are free to move around each other and carry an charge.