Ionic Compounds Flashcards
Ionic Compound Definition
A compound composed of oppositely charged ions.
Elements can combine to make ionic compounds when their atoms:
Lose or gain electrons
What do atoms become when they lose or gain electrons?
Charged Particles called Ions
Ion Definition
A charged particle formed from the loss or gain of one or more electrons.
What do atoms form when they lose electrons?
Positively charged ions called cations.
Cation Definition
A positively charged ion.
What do atoms form when they gain electrons?
Negatively charged ions called anions.
Anion Definition
A negatively charged ion.
What happens when an ionic compound forms?
One or more electrons from one atom are transferred to another atom.
Where does an ionic bond form?
Between oppositely charged ions, creating a neutral compound.
What does the loss and gain of electron allow each atom to do?
Form a full outer energy level of electrons and, therefore, become more stable.
What do Scientists often refer to this arrangement as?
A Stable Octet
Why do scientists call this arrangement that?
Because all noble gases, except helium, have eight electrons in their outer energy level; noble gases are the least reactive (most stable) elements.
What are ionic compounds usually composed of?
The ions of a metal and one or more nonmetals.
True or False: Metals are found on the left-hand side of the periodic table and tend to lose electrons to form cations
True
