Ionic Bonds and Compounds

chemical bond

A force that holds atoms together in a compound.

atom

The basic unit of a chemical element, having no charge in its neutral state.

ion

An atom that has gained or lost one or more electrons, acquiring a charge.

ionic bond

A chemical bond formed through the transfer of one or more electrons from one atom to another.

covalent bond

A chemical bond formed when two atoms share electrons.

molecule

A group of two or more atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound.

covalent/ionic compounds

Substances formed from covalent or ionic bonds, which have distinct properties differing from their component elements.

ionic compounds properties

Ionic compounds typically have high melting and boiling points and conduct electricity when dissolved in water or melted.

valence electrons

Electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that are involved in forming bonds.

LiF

An example of an ionic compound, known as Lithium Fluoride, formed between lithium (Li) and fluorine (F).