Ionic Bonding

• When a metal and a non-metal react together the metal atom loses electrons to form a positive ion and the non-metal gains these electrons to form a negatively charged ion.
• Ions are held together by strong forces so they have high melting points and boiling points
• The attraction between oppositely charged ions is called an electrostatic force
• When the compounds are solid, the ions are held in place so they can't conduct electricity.
• When ionic compounds melt the ions are free to move and they'll carry electric charge.
• Some ionic compounds can dissolve in water. The ions separate and are free to move, so they'll carry an electric charge.