Ionic Bonding

• An ionic bond is the electrostatic force of attraction between oppositely charged ions
• Increasing the charge of a cation means a stronger force of attraction between oppositely charged ions, so an increase in bond strength
• Increasing the charge of a cation means the electrons are more attracted to the nucleus, so the ionic radius decreases
• Ionic compounds are soluble in water because of the two poles of water attracting charged ions, breaking the compound apart