Chemical Bonding: Ion Formation and Ionic Bonding

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the mechanisms of ion formation, the characteristics of ionic bonds, and the physical properties of the resulting ionic lattice.

Noble gas configuration

The goal of chemical bonding to reach a stable structure with a fully occupied outer shell.

Ion formation in Metals

The process where elements with few valence electrons and a low EN-value donate electrons to form positive ions.

Cations

Positive ions formed when an atom loses electrons, such as $Na - e^{-} \rightarrow Na^{+}$.

General formula for cation formation

$$M - x e^{-} \rightarrow M^{x+}$$

Ion formation in Non-metals

The process where elements with many valence electrons and a high EN-value take in electrons to form negative ions.

Anions

Negative ions formed when an atom gains electrons, such as $Cl + e^{-} \rightarrow Cl^{-}$.

General formula for anion formation

$$nM + x e^{-} \rightarrow M^{x-}$$

Ionic bonding

A bond between a metal (M) and a non-metal (nM) characterized by electron transfer and the attraction between positive and negative ions.

Ionic lattice

A structure formed by the attraction of positive and negative ions, resulting in a solid phase with a high melting point.

Mechanical properties of an ionic lattice

The structural state of being brittle or fragile ($\text{broos}$).