Ionic Compounds

Front

What is an ionic compound?

Back

An ionic compound is a chemical compound composed of ions held together by electrostatic forces termed ionic bonding. They typically form between metals and nonmetals.

Front

How do ionic compounds form?

Back

Ionic compounds form when electrons are transferred from one atom (usually a metal) to another (usually a nonmetal), resulting in the formation of positively and negatively charged ions.

Front

What charge do metals typically have in ionic compounds?

Back

Metals typically lose electrons and have a positive charge (cations) in ionic compounds.

Front

What charge do nonmetals typically have in ionic compounds?

Back

Nonmetals typically gain electrons and have a negative charge (anions) in ionic compounds.

Front

What is the formula for sodium fluoride?

Back

The formula for sodium fluoride is NaF.

Front

What is the formula for aluminum oxide?

Back

The formula for aluminum oxide is Al₂O₃.

Front

What is the significance of the charges in ionic bonding?

Back

The charges of the ions must balance to create a neutral compound, meaning the total positive charge must equal the total negative charge.

Front

What is a cation?

Back

A cation is a positively charged ion that is formed when an atom loses one or more electrons.

Front

What is an anion?

Back

An anion is a negatively charged ion that is formed when an atom gains one or more electrons.

Front

What is the role of electronegativity in ionic bonding?

Back

Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons. In ionic bonding, a large difference in electronegativity between two atoms leads to the transfer of electrons.