2.2 Ionic bonding

Question 1

Why do atoms form chemical bonds with other atoms?

Answer 1

Atoms form chemical bonds with other atoms to obtain a full valence shell, reaching a more stable state.

Question 2

What feature do noble gases have that make them highly non-reactive?

Answer 2

Noble gases have full valence shells meaning they are more stable, therefore highly non-reactive.

Question 3

What are cations and anions?

Answer 3

• Cations are positively charged ions from the loss of electrons
• Anions are negatively charged ions from the gain of electrons

Question 4

How do metal atoms join with non-metal atoms to form an ionic bond? Use the words: transfer, cation, anion, and electrostatic attraction.

Answer 4

Metals tend to lose electrons to form cations while non-metals tend to gain electrons to from anions. Since cations and anions are opposite charges, they attract each other, also known as an electrostatic attraction. Therefore, metals and non-metals form an ionic bond by transferring electrons.

Question 5

What is the correct formula for ions?

Answer 5

• Cations = +
• Anions = -

Question 6

What are polyatomic ions?

Answer 6

Polyatomic ions have more than one atom.

Question 7

What are ionic compounds?

Answer 7

Ionic compounds are made up of cations and anions.