Ionic Bonding

Question 1

What are ionic compounds?

Answer 1

Compounds usually formed between a metal and non-metal which involves the transfer of electrons.

Question 2

What do ionic compounds form?

Answer 2

Giant ionic lattices/compounds (‘giant’ meaning you can’t state how many ions there are)

Question 3

What are ionic bonds held together by?

Answer 3

Strong electrostatic attractions between the positive and negative charges

Question 4

Which type of ion will have a stronger electrostatic attraction; small or large ions - and why?

Answer 4

Smaller ions as the ions are closer together

Question 5

What are the properties of ionic compounds?

Answer 5

Brittle
High MP
Conduct electricity when molten/dissolved in a solution

Question 6

How many sodium atoms surround a chlorine atom in NaCl and visa versa? What is this formation called?

Answer 6

6, this is described as 6:6 co-ordinated

Question 7

Why does magnesium oxide have a higher MP and BP than NaCl but the exact same structure?

Answer 7

The 2+ and 2- ions attract more strongly than 1+ and 1-

Question 8

Why are ionic substances brittle?

Answer 8

Ions of the same charge are brought side by side under stress so the crystal repels itself to pieces

Question 9

Why do ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten, and so what can occur?

Answer 9

The positive and negative are free to move around unlike in a solid and so can carry the charge, electrolysis can occur.

Question 10

Is an anode positive or negative?

Answer 10

Negative

Question 11

Is a cathode positive or negative?

Answer 11

Positive