C3.2 Ionic Bonding:

Question 1

What is ionic bonding?

Answer 1

The transfer of electrons from a metal to a non-metal

creating positive and negative ions that attract each other.

Question 2

Which atoms lose electrons in ionic bonding?

Answer 2

Metals lose electrons to become positively charged ions (cations).

Question 3

Which atoms gain electrons in ionic bonding?

Answer 3

Non-metals gain electrons to become negatively charged ions (anions).

Question 4

What holds the ions together in an ionic compound?

Answer 4

strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions.

Question 5

Why do ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points?

Answer 5

Because of the strong forces holding the ions together, a lot of energy is needed to break them.

Question 6

Can ionic compounds conduct electricity? If yes, when?

Answer 6

Yes, but only when melted or dissolved in water because the ions are free to move.

Question 7

Give an example of an ionic compound.

Answer 7

Sodium chloride (NaCl).