Ionic Bonding

• What are giant ionic structures held together by?

  Attraction between oppositely charged ions
• How do the forces exerted by ions in a lattice act?

  Equally in all directions
• Why are ions in a giant structure held together strongly?

  Because they are tightly packed together
• What is the definition of an ionic bond?

  Electrostatic force of attraction between oppositely charged ions
• Why do ionic compounds have high melting points?

  Strong forces between oppositely charged ions
• What is the melting point of sodium chloride (NaCl)?

  800° C
• What is the melting point of magnesium oxide (MgO)?

  2850° C
• How does the charge of ions affect melting points?

  Higher charge leads to higher melting points
• Why does MgO have a higher melting point than NaCl?

  MgO involves transfer of 2 electrons
• When do ionic compounds conduct electricity?

  When molten or dissolved in water
• Why can't solid ionic compounds conduct electricity?

  Because ions are fixed in position
• What happens to ions in a solid ionic compound?

  They can only vibrate in place
• What is a characteristic of ionic compounds regarding strength?

  Ionic compounds tend to be brittle
• Why do ionic compounds become brittle when distorted?

  Like charges repel, causing splits
• What is the solubility characteristic of ionic compounds?

  Ionic compounds tend to be soluble in water
• Why can water dissolve ionic compounds?

  Water molecules are polar and attract ions
• What are the elements in Group 1 of the Periodic Table called?

  Alkali metals
• What charge do metal ions from Group 1 have?

  +1 charge
• What are the elements in Group 7 of the Periodic Table called?

  Halogens
• What happens to non-metal atoms from Group 7 when they react with metals?

  They gain one electron
• What type of substance is formed when metals react with non-metals?

  Ionic compound (salt)
• What happens to metal atoms during a reaction with non-metals?

  They lose electrons
• What happens to non-metal atoms during a reaction with metals?

  They gain electrons
• What are the properties of ionic compounds?

  • High melting and boiling points
  • Conduct electricity when molten or dissolved
  • Brittle and can shatter when distorted
  • Soluble in water
• What is the process of ionic bonding between metals and non-metals?


  1. Metal atoms lose electrons to form positive ions.
  2. Non-metal atoms gain electrons to form negative ions.
  3. Oppositely charged ions attract to form ionic compounds.