Ionic Compounds

• What happens when a metal reacts with a non-metal?

  Electrons are transferred between them
• Why do metal and non-metal atoms transfer electrons?

  To achieve more stable electronic structures
• What charge do metal atoms become after electron transfer?

  Positive ions
• What charge do non-metal atoms become after electron transfer?

  Negative ions
• How can you model the ions in an ionic compound?

  • Use a dot-and-cross diagram
  • Dots represent electrons from one atom
  • Crosses represent electrons from the other atom
• What is the purpose of using a dot-and-cross diagram in ionic compounds?

  To visualize the electron transfer between atoms
• What arrangement do ionic compounds form in solid state?

  Giant ionic lattice
• How are ions held in place within ionic compounds?

  By strong ionic bonds in all directions
• What are ionic bonds?

  Strong electrostatic forces of attraction
• What do space-filling models represent?

  Ionic compounds' structure
• What does the term 'giant' in 'giant ionic lattice' imply?

  The arrangement is repeated many times
• What does 'ionic' refer to in 'giant ionic lattice'?

  The structure contains ions
• What does 'lattice' mean in the context of ionic compounds?

  The arrangement is regular and not random
• In what dimension does a giant ionic lattice exist?

  Three dimensions
• How can you visually represent a giant ionic lattice?

  Using a ball-and-stick model
• What are the key features of ionic compounds?

  • Contain positive and negative ions
  • Form a giant ionic lattice
  • Held together by ionic bonds
  • Strong electrostatic forces of attraction