Ionic Bonding - Bonding and Structure

Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry

what is an ion?

an atom that has lost or gained an electron

what happens when a metal reacts with a non metal (in terms of electrons)

the electrons in the outer shell of the metal atom are transferred

metal atoms …

lose electrons to become positively charged ions

non metal atoms …

gain electrons to become negatively charged ions

when are ionic compounds formed?

when a metal and a non metal react

how are ionic bonds formed?

transfer of electrons from the outer shell of the metal to the outershell of the non metal

what is a giant structure of ions called

ionic compound

how are ionic compounds held together?

strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions

what is an example of an ionic compound?

sodium chloride (salt)

why do compounds with giant ionic lattices have high melting and boiling points?

* strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions
* requires a lot of energy to overcome these forces of attraction

why can’t ionic compounds conduct electricity when solid?

ions are in fixed positions so can’t conduct electricity

why can ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten/in aqeous solution?

ions are free to move carrying charge and conducting electricity