Ionic Bonding

Question 1

What elements are involved?

Answer 1

The elements involved is a metal (cation) and non-metal (anion)

Question 2

Are ions formed?

Answer 2

An atom will lose or gain an electron to become more stable. The loss or gain of electrons takes place so an atom has a full outer shell. Metals form cations and non-metals form anions.

Question 3

Behaviour of valence electrons

Answer 3

Electrons transfer between atoms to fill the valence shell. Metals lose electrons and non-metals gain electrons.

Question 4

Electrical conductivity

Answer 4

When ionic compounds are solid they do not conduct electricity as their ions are held in fixed positions and cannot move. When they are dissolved they conduct electricity because there is room for charged particles to move.

Question 5

Additional properties

Answer 5

High melting and boiling points and they are hard and brittle

Question 6

Examples

Answer 6

CaCl2 - Calcium Chloride
Li2O - Lithium Oxide

Question 7

Solubility

Answer 7

Ionic compounds are generally soluble in water, but there are some exceptions. The solubility of an ionic compound depends on the strength of the forces between the ions in the compound and the forces between the ions and the water molecules.