[Unit 3.1] | The Nature Of Ionic Bonding

Question 1

What is an ionic bond?

Answer 1

• It is an electrostatic force between a metal cation and a non-metal anion.
(Metals lose electrons, non-metals gain electrons.)

Question 2

What 2 factors provide strength to ions?

Answer 2

• Size: Smaller ions are more attracted to one another
• Charge: A higher charge causes greater attraction.

Question 3

What is a molecular ion?

Answer 3

2 or more covalently bonded ions.

Question 4

List 5 Molecular ions.

Answer 4

• OH⁻
• NO₃⁻
• NH₄⁻
• CO₃²⁻
• SO₄²⁻

Question 5

What are 4 properties of ions?

Answer 5

• High melting point: Large amounts of energy are needed to overcome the strong electrostatic attractions.

• Soluble in water: Water is polar and stabilises the separated ions.

• Brittle: Dislocations lead to movement of layers and similarly charged ions repelling one another, breaking the crystal.

• Conductivity: In molten or aqueous state, ions are free to move and carry charge. However, this does not apply to solid ionic crystals.