Ionic compounds Flashcards
What forms ionic bonds?
A metal reacting with a non-metal.
What happens in ionic bonding?
Metal loses electrons (becomes positive ion), non-metal gains electrons (becomes negative ion).
What attracts ions in ionic bonding?
Electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.
What is the overall charge of an ionic compound?
Zero — it’s neutral.
What structure do ionic compounds have?
Giant ionic lattice.
What holds a giant ionic lattice together?
Strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions.
Example of an ionic lattice?
Sodium chloride (NaCl).
Why do ionic compounds have high melting/boiling points?
Strong ionic bonds require lots of energy to break.
Do solid ionic compounds conduct electricity?
No — ions are fixed in place.
When do ionic compounds conduct electricity?
When melted or dissolved in water — ions are free to move.
Why do ionic solutions conduct electricity?
Ions move towards the electrode with opposite charge.
