1.21 Explain how ionic bonds are formed by the transfer of electrons between atoms to produce cations and anions, including the use of dot and cross diagrams

Question 1

What happens to metal atoms in ionic compounds?

Answer 1

Metal atoms lose electrons to become positively charged ions (cations).

Question 2

What happens to nonmetal atoms in ionic compounds?

Answer 2

Nonmetal atoms gain electrons to become negatively charged ions (anions).

Question 3

How can electron transfer in ionic compound formation be represented?

Answer 3

Electron transfer can be represented by a dot and cross diagram.