nature of ionic bonding

• Why do ions form?

  To achieve full outer electron shells
• How do metal atoms become cations?

  They lose electrons to form positive ions
• What is the charge of a sodium ion?

  Na+ (positive one)
• How does chlorine become an anion?

  By gaining one electron to form Cl-
• What happens during ionic bonding?

  Electrons are transferred between atoms
• What do dot and cross diagrams illustrate?

  How electrons are transferred to form ions
• What is the charge of ions formed by elements in different groups of the periodic table?

  • Group 1: 1+ ions
  • Group 2: 2+ ions
  • Group 6: 2- ions
  • Group 7: 1- ions
• How do transition elements differ in ion formation?

  They can form multiple ions with different charges
• What are the charges of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions?


  Fe2+: 2+, Fe3+: 3+
• Which electrons are lost first in transition elements during ionization?

  4s electrons are lost before 3d electrons
• What are the important compound ions to know?

  • Nitrate ion (NO3-)
  • Carbonate ion (CO32-)
  • Sulfate ion (SO42-)
  • Hydroxide ion (OH-)
  • Ammonium ion (NH4+)
• What do ionic compound formulas indicate?

  The ions present and their ratios
• What is the formula for NaCl?

  NaCl contains Na+ and Cl- in 1:1 ratio
• How do you determine the formula of an ionic compound from its name?

  Identify cation and anion, balance charges
• What is an ionic bond?

  The attraction between oppositely charged ions
• What type of structure do ionic compounds have?

  Giant lattice structures
• What are the key features of a giant ionic lattice?

  • Ions are attracted in all directions
  • Strong electrostatic forces between ions
  • Requires significant energy to break apart
• What properties are related to ionic structure?

  • High melting and boiling points
  • Conduct electricity when molten or in solution
  • Do not conduct electricity as solids
  • Dissolve in water
• Why do ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points?

  Strong electrostatic attractions require much energy
• When do ionic compounds conduct electricity?

  When molten or in solution
• Why do ionic compounds not conduct electricity as solids?

  Because ions are locked in place
• How do ionic compounds dissolve in water?

  Water molecules attract charged ions via ion-dipole forces