C2-ionic compounds

Question 1

what is an ion?

Answer 1

An ion is an atom or group of atoms with a positive or negative charge. Ions form when atoms lose or gain electrons to obtain a full outer shell

Question 2

how do you form a positive ion?

Answer 2

• the ions are positive, because they have more protons than electrons
• the ions formed have full outer shells
• the ions have the electronic structure of a noble gas (group 0 element), with a full outer shell

Question 3

how do you form negative ions?

Answer 3

• the ions formed are negative, because they have more electrons than protons
• the ions have the electronic structure of a noble gas (group 0 element), with a full outer shell

Question 4

what are properties of ionic compounds?

Answer 4

have regular structures, called giant ionic lattices. In a giant ionic lattice, there are strong electrostatic forces of attraction acting in all directions between the oppositely charged ions.

Question 5

how can a substance conduct electricity?

Answer 5

A substance can conduct electricity if:

• it contains charged particles, such as ions, and
• these particles are free to move from place to place

Question 6

how can an ionic compound conduct electricity?

Answer 6

an ionic compound can conduct electricity when:

• it has melted to form a liquid, or
• it has dissolved in water to form an aqueous solution