(f) Ionic Bonding

• Ionic bonding is the strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions
• Ammonium has a 1+ charge

  
• Carbonate has a 2- charge

  
• Nitrate has a 1- charge

  
• Sulfate has a 2- charge

  
• Atoms with an incomplete outer shell of electrons are unstable so they require a full outer shell to become stable
• Ionic bonding happens between metals and non metals only
• Ionic compounds have a giant ionic lattice structure
• Ionic bonds have high melting and boiling points because ionic compounds have a giant ionic lattice with strong electrostatic forces of attraction between ions so these forces need lots of energy to overcome them
• Ionic compounds are poor conductors when solid because they are in fixed positions in a lattice and unable to move and carry a charge. When molten or aqueous, the ions are free to move and carry a charge so they conduct electricity