Ionic Bonds

Ions

Definition

Ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost electrons, resulting in a net positive or negative charge.

Types of Ions

• Cations: positively charged ions (lost electrons)

• Anions: negatively charged ions (gained electrons)

• Opposite charges attract:

  • Cations attract anions (negative)

  • Anions attract cations (positive)

• Like charges repel:

  • Cations repel other cations (positive)

  • Anions repel other anions (negative)

Electrostatic attraction is a force that pulls objects with opposite charges towards each other

.Ionic Bonds

What are Ionic Bonds?

Ionic bonds are strong attractions between two types of ions:

• Cations

• Anion

How are Ionic Bonds Formed?

1. Atoms lose or gain electrons:

   • Atoms that lose electrons become cations.

   • Atoms that gain electrons become anions.

2. Opposite charges attract:

   • Cations and anions are attracted to each other due to their opposite charges.