Ionic Bonding

Question 1

What are ionic bonds?

Answer 1

Ionic bonds are formed when electrons are transferred from a metal atom to a non-metal atom.

This process involves the formation of cations and anions due to the loss and gain of electrons.

Question 2

What happens to the metal atom in ionic bonding?

Answer 2

The metal atom loses electrons to become a positively charged ion called a cation.

Question 3

What happens to the non-metal atom in ionic bonding?

Answer 3

The non-metal atom gains electrons to become a negatively charged ion called an anion.

Question 4

What is the result of the attraction between cations and anions?

Answer 4

The oppositely charged ions are attracted to each other, forming an ionic bond.

This electrostatic attraction is fundamental to the stability of ionic compounds.

Question 5

What type of structure do ionic compounds form?

Answer 5

Ionic compounds form crystalline structures known as giant ionic lattices.

These lattices are characterized by a regular arrangement of ions.

Question 6

What are the melting and boiling points of ionic compounds typically like?

Answer 6

Ionic compounds often have high melting and boiling points due to the strong electrostatic forces between ions.

This property is a result of the strong attractions in the ionic lattice.

Question 7

Are ionic substances soluble in water?

Answer 7

Ionic substances are usually soluble in water, but insoluble in non-polar solvents.

This solubility is due to the interaction between the ionic compounds and polar water molecules.

Question 8

What happens to ionic substances when they are dissolved in water or melted?

Answer 8

When dissolved in water or melted, ionic substances conduct electricity as the ions become free to move and carry charges.

This property is essential for applications such as electrolytes in batteries.