Electronic structure and ions

Question 1

What is a useful way of drawing ions?

Answer 1

By drawing out their electronic structure.

Question 2

How do you draw out an ionic compound’s electronic structure?

Answer 2

• Use a big square bracket with the ion in the middle [o]
• And a + or - on the top right on the outside to show the charge.
• Draw the ion without the electron it has lost, or with the electron it has gained.

Question 3

What is the formula for the ionic compound sodium chloride?

Answer 3

NaCl (Na+ and Cl-).

Question 4

What is the formula for the ionic compound magnesium oxide?

Answer 4

MgO (Mg²+ and O²-).

Question 5

What is the formula for the ionic compound calcium chloride?

Answer 5

CaCl2 (Ca²+ and Cl- and Cl-).