ionic bonding (chem)

Ionic Bonding

A type of chemical bond formed when one atom transfers one or more electrons to another atom, resulting in the formation of ions.

Cation

An ion that has lost one or more electrons, resulting in a positively charged ion, e.g., Na⁺.

Anion

An ion that has gained one or more electrons, resulting in a negatively charged ion, e.g., Cl⁻.

Electrostatic Attraction

The force that attracts oppositely charged ions (cations and anions) to each other, forming a strong ionic bond.

Octet Rule

The principle that atoms tend to achieve a stable electronic configuration by having eight electrons in their outermost shell.

Ionic Compounds

Compounds formed between metals and nonmetals characterized by high melting and boiling points, solubility in water, and electrical conductivity when dissolved or molten.

Examples of Ionic Bonds

Sodium Chloride (NaCl) and Magnesium Oxide (MgO) are examples where cations combine with anions.

Crystalline Structure

The regular lattice arrangement of ions in ionic compounds that maximizes attraction and minimizes repulsion between ions.

Properties of Ionic Solids

They are brittle, have high melting points, and form a regular crystalline structure.