Ionic compounds Flashcards
What is an ion?
A charged particle that forms when an atom loses or gains electrons
How do metals form ions?
Metals lose electrons to form positively charged ions
How do non-metals form ions?
Non-metals gain electrons to form negatively charged ions
What do ionic bonds always form between?
A metal ion and a non-metal ion
Explain why an ionic bond forms between a metal ion and a non-metal ion.
Positively-charged metal ions are attracted to negatively-charged non-metal ions by electrostatic force
What is the name of this ionic compound?
Sodium chloride
Sketch a dot-and-cross diagram to show ionic bonding between magnesium and oxygen.
What is an ionic lattice?
A giant structure of ions arranged in a regular, repeating pattern
How is an ionic lattice held together?
By strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions
Explain why ionic compounds have high melting points and high boiling points.
Ionic lattices contain a large number of ions, so a lot of energy is needed to break the strong electrostatic forces between the ions
Which ionic compound contains stronger electrostatic forces between its ions?
MgO (magnesium oxide)
When can a substance conduct electricity?
- It contains charged particles
- These particles are free to move from place to place
When can an ionic compound conduct electricity?
- It has melted (to form a liquid)
- It has dissolved (to form an aqueous solution)
Why can’t solid ionic compounds conduct electricity?
Their ions are fixed in place and cannot move
