Ionic bonding

• What is ionic bonding?

  Ionic bonding is the electrostatic attraction between positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions).
• How are ions formed?

  Ions are formed when atoms lose or gain electrons to achieve a full outer shell.
• Which types of elements typically form ionic bonds?

  Metals (which lose electrons to form cations) and non-metals (which gain electrons to form anions).
• Why do elements form ionic bonds?

  To achieve a stable electronic configuration, usually a full outer shell of electrons (like noble gases).
• Describe how sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) form an ionic bond.

  Sodium loses one electron to form , and chlorine gains that electron to form . The opposite charges attract, forming .
• What ions are formed when magnesium reacts with oxygen?

  Magnesium forms by losing two electrons, and oxygen forms by gaining two electrons.
• Write the formula for the ionic compound formed between aluminum and oxygen.

  Two ions combine with three ions to balance the charges.
• What are three properties of ionic compounds?

  High melting and boiling points
• What is an ion?

  An atom or molecule that gained or lost electrons
• Why does sodium want to lose an electron?

  To achieve a full outer shell
• How many electrons does chlorine have in its outer shell?

  Seven electrons
• What happens when sodium and chlorine react?

  Sodium gives an electron to chlorine
• What type of ion does sodium become after losing an electron?

  A positive ion, called a cation
• What type of ion does chlorine become after gaining an electron?

  A negative ion, called an anion
• What is the formula for sodium chloride?

  NaCl
• What structure do ionic compounds form when solid?

  A giant lattice structure
• What are positive ions called?


  Cations
• What happens to metal ions during ionic bonding?

  They lose electrons to become positive ions
• How can you determine the charge of a metal ion?

  By its group number in the periodic table
• What charge does sodium have as a group one element?

  Na⁺
• What charge does beryllium have as a group two element?

  Be²⁺
• What charge does aluminium have as a group three element?

  Al³⁺
• What can transition metals have in terms of charge?

  Different charges
• What is the charge of iron as a transition metal?

  Fe²⁺ or Fe³⁺
• What does a dot and cross diagram represent?

  The arrangement of electrons in ions
• When do you draw dots or crosses in a dot and cross diagram?

  When the outer shell isn't full
• What are negative ions called?

  Anions
• How do non-metal atoms like chlorine become negative ions?

  By gaining electrons
• How do you determine the charge of a non-metal ion?

  Eight minus the group number
• What is the charge of a chlorine ion?

  Cl^-
• What are some examples of polyatomic ions?

  CO₃^2-, SO₄^2-, NO₃^-, OH^-
• What does the cross represent in a dot and cross diagram for a fluorine ion?

  The gained electron
• What does the strength of an ionic bond depend on?

  Size of ions and their charges
• Why is a bond with higher charges stronger?

  Greater electrostatic attraction between ions
• Why does a smaller ion lead to a stronger bond?

  Closer proximity increases attraction force
• What happens to the force of attraction as distance increases?

  The force gets weaker
• How can you determine bond strength using a table?

  By comparing charges and ionic radii
• What should you do for the first 10 elements and their ions?

  Draw dot and cross diagrams
• What should you explain regarding the strength of ionic bonds?

  Factors affecting bond strength
• What are the two factors affecting ionic bond strength?

  Size of ions and their charges