Ionic bonding

Question 1

What happens to the electrons in the outer shell of an metal atom when it reacts with a non-metal atom?

Answer 1

When a metal atom reacts with a non-metal atom, electrons in the outer shell of the metal atom are transferred to the outer shell of the non-metal atom, making both outer shells full.

Question 2

What happens to the Metal atoms when they lose electrons in the outer shell?

Answer 2

They become positively charged ions.

Question 3

What happens to the Non-metal atoms when they lose electrons in the outer shell?

Answer 3

They become negatively charged ions.

Question 4

What is the electronic structure of the ions produced by metals in Groups 1 and 2 and by non-metals in Groups 6 and 7?

Answer 4

The ions produced by metals in Groups 1 and 2 and by non-metals in Groups 6 and 7 have the electronic structure of a noble gas (Group 0). A noble gas has a full outer shell of electrons.

Question 5

What is an ionic compound?

Answer 5

An ionic compound is a giant structure of ions.

Question 6

What is the structure of an ionic compound?

Answer 6

Ionic compounds have regular structures (giant ionic lattices) in which there are strong electrostatic forces of attraction in all directions between oppositely charged ions.

Question 7

What are the two main properties of ionic compounds?

Answer 7

1) High melting points and high boiling points because of the large amounts of energy needed to break the many strong bonds.
2) When melted or dissolved in water, they conduct electricity because the ions are free to move and so charge can flow.