Ionic Compounds and Formulas

Vocabulary flashcards covering ionic compounds, ions, isoelectronic configurations, and ionic formula writing rules based on Section 3.2 lecture notes.

Cation

A positively charged ion formed when an atom, typically a metal, loses electrons.

Anion

A negatively charged ion formed when an atom, typically a nonmetal, gains electrons.

Ionic Bond

The electrostatic attraction and interaction between oppositely charged ions.

Ionic Compound

An electrically neutral compound consisting of positive cations and negative anions held together by electrostatic forces.

Isoelectronic

A condition in which different atoms or ions possess the exact same electron configuration.

Crisscross Applesauce Method

A shortcut for determining the chemical formula of an ionic compound where the numerical charge of each ion becomes the subscript of the other, reduced to the lowest common multiple if needed.

Group 1A Elements

Metals that consistently lose one electron to form cations with a $+1$ charge to become isoelectronic with their nearest noble gas.

Group 2A Elements

Metals that consistently lose two electrons to form cations with a $+2$ charge.

Group 3A Elements

Metals that lose three electrons to form cations with a $+3$ charge.

Group 5A Elements

Nonmetals that gain three electrons to form anions with a $-3$ charge.

Group 6A Elements

Nonmetals that gain two electrons to form anions with a $-2$ charge.

Group 7A Elements

Nonmetals that gain one electron to form anions with a $-1$ charge.

Ionic Formula Writing Convention

The standard rule stating that the cation (usually the metal) is always written first, followed by the anion (the nonmetal).