Key Concepts in Ionic Compounds and Ionic Bonding

Properties of Ionic Compounds:

• Formed from metals and non-metals

• High melting points and hard, brittle crystals

• Do not conduct electricity in solid state

• Conduct electricity when molten due to free-moving ions

Characteristics of Sodium Chloride:

• High melting point

• Hardness and brittleness

• Non-conductive in solid state

• Conductive in molten state

• Charges present allow conductivity when melted

Ionic Bonding Model:

• Involves transfer of electrons to form cations (positive ions) and anions (negative ions)

• Cations form from metal atoms losing electrons

• Anions form from non-metal atoms gaining electrons

• Atoms achieve stable valence shell configuration by gaining or losing electrons

• Cations and anions arrange into a strong crystal lattice due to ionic bonds

• Lattice created by attraction between oppositely charged ions