Ions and Ionic compounds Flashcards
What is an ion?
An ion is an atom or molecule that has a positive or negative electrical charge.
What is an ionic compound?
Ionic compounds are held together by electrostatic bonds. Elements can gain or lose electrons in order to attain their nearest noble gas configuration. The formation of ions (either by gaining or losing electrons) for the completion of valence shell helps them gain stability.
How do atoms gain/loose electrons?
When they react in order to gain stability. Thus, typically metals (with nearly empty outer shells) lose electrons to non-metals, thereby forming positive ions.
Why do ions form?
Ions form when an atom gains or looses electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, resulting in a net positive or negative charge.
What is a monatonic ion?
Monatomic ions contain only one type of atom. Atoms react to obtain a stable electron configuration a full valence shell in outer shell. They can do this by gaining or losing electrons to form an ion
What is a polyatomic ion?
Polyatomic ions are groups of atoms bonded together. The group of atoms as a whole has a charge either positive or negative.
What is a ionic bond?
Ionic bonding is a type of chemical bonding that involves the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.
