Ionic Bonding

Question 1

What is the formula of ammonium ions?

Answer 1

NH4+

Question 2

What is the formula for carbonate ions?

Answer 2

CO3 2-

Question 3

What is the formula for hydroxide ions?

Answer 3

OH-

Question 4

What is the formula for nitrate ions?

Answer 4

NO3-

Question 5

What is the formula for sulfate ions?

Answer 5

SO4 2-

Question 6

What holds ions together in an ionic bond?

Answer 6

Strong electrostatic forces between oppositely charged ions.

Question 7

Do ionic compounds conduct electricity?

Answer 7

Only when in solution or when molten, because ions are free to move and carry a charge. They don’t conduct electricity when solid because the ions are fixed in position by the strong ionic bonds.

Question 8

Why are the melting points of ionic compounds high?

Answer 8

Ionic compounds have giant ionic lattice structures, with strong electrostatic forces between the oppositely charged ions. A lot of energy is required to overcome these forces, so they have a high melting point.

Question 9

Why do ionic compounds tend to dissolve in water?

Answer 9

Water molecules are polar (slightly positive hydrogen atoms and slightly negative oxygen atom). The positive ions in the ionic compound are attracted to the lone pairs on the oxygen atom and coordinate bonds may form. Hydrogen bonds may form between the negative ions and hydrogen atoms. This causes the compound to dissolve.