ionic bonding

Question 1

How are ions are formed by electron loss or gain?

Answer 1

Ions are formed due to transfer or electrons. Ions are formed from atoms when electrons are transferred between them. A negative ion is formed if an atom gains an electron and a positive ion is formed if an atom loses an electron. Atoms form ions to gain a full outer shell of electrons.

Question 2

Charges of ions

Answer 2

Group 1, the alkali metals: charge of +1, Group 2 the alkaline earth metals: charge of +2, Group 3, transition metals: charge of +3, Group 5: charge of 3-, Group 6: 2-, Group 7: 1-, Group 0: charge of 0.

Question 3

Ionic bonding in terms of electrostatic attractions

Answer 3

The ionic bond is the electrostatic force of attraction between a positively charged metal ion and a negatively charged non-metal ion. Metals form positive ions because they lose electrons to become stable.

Question 4

Why compounds with giant ionic lattices have high melting and boiling points?

Answer 4

Since a giant ionic lattice contains a large number of ions and hence a large number of ionic bonds, it takes a lot of energy to break these strong electrostatic forces of attraction between the oppositely charged ions. As a result, an ionic compound will have a high melting or boiling point.

Question 5

Ionic compounds do not conduct electricity when solid, but do conduct electricity when molten and in aqueous solution

Answer 5

In solid state, ions are held together by strong electrostatic forces and are not free to move about within the solid. Hence, ionic solids do not conduct electricity in solid state. However, in molten state or in solution form, the ions are free to move and can conduct electricity.