Bonding and Structure

A collection of flashcards based on the topic of Bonding and Structure from the Cambridge IGCSE specification, including key concepts related to ionic and covalent bonding, properties of compounds, and structures.

What are cations and anions?

Cations are positive ions, while anions are negative ions.

What is the nature of ionic bonds?

Ionic bonds are strong electrostatic attractions between oppositely charged ions.

How do group numbers relate to ion charges?

The charge of the ions formed from elements in a group corresponds to the group number.

List properties of ionic compounds.

High melting points, high boiling points, good electrical conductivity when aqueous or molten, poor when solid.

What is a giant lattice structure in ionic compounds?

A giant lattice structure consists of a regular arrangement of alternating positive and negative ions.

What forms a covalent bond?

A covalent bond is formed when a pair of electrons is shared between two atoms.

Describe the properties of simple molecular compounds.

They have low melting and boiling points and poor electrical conductivity.

Explain why metallic bonds are conductive.

They involve electrostatic attraction between positive ions and a sea of delocalised electrons, allowing for good electrical conductivity.

How does the structure of graphite relate to its use as a lubricant?

Graphite's layered structure allows the layers to slide over each other easily, making it effective as a lubricant.

What structural similarities do diamond and silicon(IV) oxide share?

Both have a giant covalent structure, leading to hard materials with similar properties.