C2 Flashcards
What is a compound?
When two or more elements are chemically bonded combined together. This makes it very hard to separate out again.
What is a mixture?
When two or more substances are mixed together and can be easily separated.
What are isotopes?
Different atomic forms of the same element, which have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons. (they have the same atomic number but different mass numbers).
How can the element Carbon-14 be used?
C-14 is unstable. When things die, the C-14 is trapped inside the dead material and gradually decays into nitrogen. By measuring the proportion of C-14 in some old wood you can calculate how long ago it was alive.
What is ionic bonding?
When atoms lose or gain electrons to form charged particles, called ions, which are strongly attracted to each other (because of the attraction of opposite charges).
What happens when an atom loses electrons?
The atom becomes positively charged.
How does an atom lose an electron?
- Atoms on the left hand side of the periodic table have only one or two electrons in their outer shells.
- Therefore, it is easier for them to lose an electron and give it to another atom.
What happens when an atom gains electrons?
The atom becomes negatively charged.
How does an atom gain electrons?
- The elements in Group 6 and 7 have nearly full outer shells.
- Therefore, it is easier for them to take an electron from another element.
What structure does an ionic bond produce and why?
They form giant ionic structures because of the strong electrostatic forces of attraction between the oppositely charged ions.
What are the properties of an ionic compound?
- They all have high melting points.
- They all have a high boiling points
- They all dissolve easily in water
Why do ionic compounds have high boiling and melting points?
Because of the strong forces of attraction between the ions.
What happens when an ionic bond does melt?
The ions become free to move and they will be able to carry an electrical current.
What happens when an ionic bond dissolves in water?
The ions separate and are free to move in the solution. They will be able to carry an electrical current as well.
What are the properties of an ion?
- They have the electronic structure of a noble gas
- The charge of the positive ions are the same as the group number they are in
- Only elements on the opposite sides of the periodic table will form ionic compounds
Which groups of elements are most likely to form ions?
Groups 1, 2, 6 and 7
Which groups are metals?
Groups 1 and 2 (lose electrons and become positive)
Which groups are non-metals?
Groups 6 and 7 (gain electrons and become negative)
What should you remember when working out the formula of an ionic compound?
- The overall charge of any compound is 0
What is covalent bonding?
When atoms share electrons and both atoms end up with a full outer shell. This gives them the electronic structure of a noble gas.
What is a noble gas?
They are chemically unreactive gases and are found in Group 0 in the periodic table
How are covalent bonds shown?
With line between the two atoms
E.g. H-H
What do the atoms form during the process of covalent bonding?
The atoms form strong covalent bonds that form small molecules of several atoms
What are the forces of attraction like between the small molecules?
They are very weak