Ionic Bonding

Group 14 Elements

Do not generally gain or lose electrons and do not usually form ionic compounds.

Transition Elements

Elements that can form different ions due to varying electron configurations.

Ionization

The process where electrons are transferred between atoms, resulting in oppositely charged ions.

Electrostatic Forces

The forces that hold oppositely charged ions together in ionic compounds.

Lattice Structure

A predictable 3D crystalline structure formed by ionic compounds.

Coordination Number

The number of ions that surround a given ion in the lattice.

Lattice Energy

A measure of the strength of attraction between the ions within the lattice.

Volatility

The tendency of a substance to vaporize; ionic compounds typically have low volatility.

Solvation

The process where ionic compounds become surrounded by solvent molecules when dissolved.

Electrical Conductivity of Ionic Compounds

Do not conduct electricity in solid state, but can conduct when molten or in aqueous solution.

Brittleness of Ionic Compounds

Ionic crystals shatter under force due to their lattice structure.

Binary Compound

An ionic compound that contains two different elements.

Ionic Compound Electronegativity Difference

Indicates ionic character; a difference of 1.8 or higher on the Pauling Scale.

Pauling Scale Trend

Electronegativity increases along a period and up a group on the periodic table.