Ionic Bonding and Ionic Compounds

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to ionic bonding and compounds.

Ion

An atom or molecule in which the number of protons is not equal to the number of electrons.

Cation

A positively charged ion that forms when a metal atom loses electrons.

Anion

A negatively charged ion that forms when a non-metal atom gains electrons.

Ionic Compound

A chemical substance formed from the combination of cations and anions, usually containing both metal and non-metal elements.

High Melting Point

A characteristic of ionic compounds due to the strong electrostatic forces of attraction between cations and anions.

Brittle

A property of ionic compounds that describes how they shatter when enough force is applied, due to repulsion of like charges.

Electrical Conductivity

The ability of ionic compounds to conduct electricity when dissolved or melted, as ions are free to move.

Solubility

The ability of ionic compounds to dissolve in water; some compounds dissolve easily while others do not.

Polyatomic Ion

An ion composed of two or more atoms that is covalently bonded together, with an overall positive or negative charge.

Transition Metals

Metals that can form multiple ions or valencies, often indicated by Roman numerals in their names.

Precipitation Reaction

A reaction occurring when ions in solution combine to form an insoluble compound, called a precipitate.

Spectator Ions

Ions that do not participate in the chemical reaction and remain unchanged.