Cations: positive ions formed when metal atoms lose electrons, having a net positive charge and a noble gas electronic configuration
Anions: negative ions formed when non-metal atoms gain electrons, having a net negative charge and a noble gas electronic configuration
Ions of opposite charges (+) and (-) can join by ionic bonding due to a mutual electrostatic force of attraction
Ionic compounds are neutral substances consisting of ions of opposite charges held together by electrostatic forces of attraction
In an ionic compound, the total positive charges from cations must equal the total negative charges of anions, resulting in no net charge
In the solid state, ionic compounds exist as a 3D giant lattice structure, forming a giant ionic crystal lattice of alternating positive and negative ions