Ionic Bonding

Question 1

What is a compound?

Answer 1

Atoms of different elements that are bonded together

Question 2

What’s the general rule to work out the charge of an ion?

Answer 2

Metals = group number
Non-metals = group number - 8

Question 3

What is ionic bonding?

Answer 3

The very strong electrostatic attractions that hold positive and negative ions together

Question 4

What are ionic crystals?

Answer 4

Giant lattices of ions (lattice = a regular structure)

Question 5

What is happening with the attractions in a giant ionic lattice?

Answer 5

Within the lattice, the ions with different charges attract each other, while the ions with the same charges repel one another. The ions arrange themselves to maximise the attractions and minimise the repulsions

Question 6

What are the steps to balance a half equation?

Answer 6

1. Write the unbalanced equation to show the species that undergoes reduction, if necessary, balance the atom that is being reduced or oxidised
2. Add H2O to balance O atoms
3. Add H+ to balance H atoms
4. Add e- to balance the charge