2.2.4 Ionic Bonding

Question 1

What compounds are ionic bonds usually present in?

Answer 1

Compounds consisting of a metal and a non-metal.

Question 2

How would an ionic bond between two atoms form?

Answer 2

Electrons would be transferred from the metal atom to the non-metal atom. Oppositely charged ions would form, bonded together by electrostatic attraction.

Question 3

How does ionic bonding occur in ionic compounds?

Answer 3

Each ion is surrounded by oppositely charged ions. These ions attract each other from all directions, forming a three-dimensioned giant ionic lattice.