Ionic Bonds

Valence electrons

Electrons in the highest energy level or the outermost energy level.

What do valence electrons determine?

Which elements will combine.

Why are all atoms trying to fill their outer energy levels?

To achieve stability.

What makes an element stable?

Having eight valence electrons.

What happens during chemical bonding?

Valence electrons are rearranged between atoms.

What does a chemical reaction always form?

A new substance.

What is an ion?

An atom with a positive or negative charge.

What happens to atoms that lose an electron?

They become positive.

What happens to atoms that gain an electron?

They become negative.

What does a chemical formula show?

The ratio of atoms in a compound using atomic symbols and subscripts.

What forms ionic bonds?

When two oppositely charged atoms are attracted to each other.

What is an ionic compound made up of?

A metal and a nonmetal.

In an ionic chemical formula, which comes first?

The metal or the atom that loses electrons.

What are the characteristics of ionic compounds?

They are usually hard, brittle crystals.

What is a property of ionic compounds when dissolved in water?

They are good conductors of electricity.

What is a common property of ionic compounds regarding melting points?

They usually have high melting points.