Ionic Bonding Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is ionic bonding?
Ionic bonding is the transfer of electrons from a metal to a non-metal, forming oppositely charged ions that are held together by electrostatic forces.
Which types of elements form ionic bonds?
Metals and non-metals.
What do metals do in ionic bonding?
Metals lose electrons to form positive ions (cations).
What do non-metals do in ionic bonding?
Non-metals gain electrons to form negative ions (anions).
What type of force holds ionic compounds together?
Electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.
How is sodium chloride (NaCl) formed?
Sodium (Na) loses 1 electron → Na⁺
Chlorine (Cl) gains 1 electron → Cl⁻
Na⁺ and Cl⁻ attract to form NaCl.
What is the formula for magnesium oxide?
Mg²⁺ and O²⁻ combine in a 1:1 ratio → MgO
Why do ionic compounds form neutral compounds?
The total positive and negative charges must balance, making the overall compound neutral.
Are ionic compounds solid or liquid at room temperature?
They are solid at room temperature.
Do ionic compounds have high or low melting points?
High melting and boiling points due to strong electrostatic forces.
Can ionic compounds conduct electricity?
Yes, when molten or dissolved in water — because the ions are free to move.
Do ionic compounds conduct electricity in solid form?
No, because the ions are fixed in place in the crystal lattice.
What kind of structure do ionic compounds form?
A giant ionic lattice — a regular, repeating 3D arrangement of ions.
Are ionic compounds soluble in water?
Most are soluble in water because water is a polar solvent that separates the ions.
What is an ion?
An atom or group of atoms that has lost or gained electrons and carries a charge.
What is a cation?
A positively charged ion formed when an atom loses electrons (usually metals).
What is an anion?
A negatively charged ion formed when an atom gains electrons (usually non-metals).
Why are noble gases unreactive in terms of ionic bonding?
They already have full outer shells and do not need to gain or lose electrons.
