Ionic compounds

Question 1

What is the difference between elements and compounds?

Answer 1

Elements are pure substances which are composed of only one type of atom. Compound are substances which are formed by two or more different types of elements that are united chemically in fixed proportions.

Question 2

How do ions form?

Answer 2

An ion is an atom with a charge (positive or negative). To form an ion, an element must gain or lose an electron.

Question 3

How do ionic compounds form?

Answer 3

Ionic compounds usually form when a metal reacts with a nonmetal, where the metallic atoms lose an electron or electrons, becoming cations (positively charged ions), and the nonmetallic atoms gain an electron or electrons, becoming anions (negatively charged ions).