Ionic Bonding

What is an ionic bond?

The electrostatic force of attraction between a cation (+) and an anion (-)

How are ions drawn in a Lewis diagram?

With brackets and a number to indicate their positive or negative charge.

What is the structure of an ionic compound?

A 3D lattice of alternating cations and anions, unlike a metallic lattice, electrons do not move freely in the structure.

How many anions surround a cation in an ionic lattice?

6

Why don’t ionic solids conduct electricity?

The lattice structure holds the ions in place, so there are no mobile charged particles to carry an electric current.

Why does this change when the substance is melted or dissolved in water?

The ions are no longer locked into a lattice, thus they are able to move around and carry a current. This can be used in electrolysis to separate the cations (which gathers around the negative electrode [cathode]) from the anions (which gathers around the positive electrode [anode]).

Why are ionic compounds hard and brittle?

The ionic bond is quite strong, but if sufficient force is applied to dislocate a part of the substance, its ions, they will find themselves next to like

Why do ionic compounds have a high melting and boiling point?

The force of attraction is very strong so it takes a lot of energy to break the lattice (network).

What is a common example of ionic compounds?

Rocks

How does an ionic bond form between two materials?

Ionic bonds typically form between metals and nonmetals. The metal loses an electron and becomes a cation, the nonmetal gains this electron and becomes an anion.

Electrolyte

A substance that can conduct electricity when dissolved or molten by the means of the movement of ions.

What determines the solubility of ionic compounds?

The relative strength of the ionic bonds within the lattice and the ion

What are ionic compounds used for?

Their hardness makes them useful as a building material, they are also used as insulators due to their inability to conduct electricity in solid form.