Ionic Bonds

Valence electrons are the electrons in the highest energy level, or the outermost energy level

Valence electrons determine which elements will combine

All atoms are trying to fill up their outer energy levels

Eight valence electrons make an element stable.

Chemical bonds form when valence electrons are rearranged in between atoms.

A chemical reaction always forms a new substance.

An ion is an atom with a positive or negative charge.

Atoms that lose an electron become positive

Atoms that gain an electron become negative.

A chemical formula shows the ratio of atoms in a compound using atomic symbols and subscripts.

Ionic bonds form when two oppositely charged atoms are attracted to each other.

An ionic compound is made up of a metal and a nonmetal.

In an ionic chemical formula the metal or the atom that loses electrons always comes first.

Ionic compounds are usually hard, brittle, crystals.

Ionic compounds are good conductors of electricity when dissolved in water.

Ionic compounds usually have high melting points.