Chemistry Concepts

Front

What is the octet rule?

Back

A general rule that atoms tend to form bonds so that each atom has eight electrons in its valence shell.

Front

How do atoms in Groups 1 and 2 achieve an octet?

Back

They form cations with 1+ and 2+ charges when they lose electrons to get an octet.

Front

How do atoms in Groups 15-17 achieve an octet?

Back

They tend to gain electrons to form anions with a charge of 3-, 2-, or 1- to have an electron configuration of the noble gas in the same period.

Front

What is an ionic bond?

Back

An electrostatic attraction that holds oppositely charged ions together.

Front

What is an ionic compound?

Back

An electrically neutral compound made of cations and anions.

Front

What is a crystal lattice?

Back

An orderly, repeating, three-dimensional pattern of many ions, atoms, or molecules.

Front

What does Coulomb's Law state about bond strength?

Back

The strength of the bonds increases as the charge on the ions increases and decreases as the distance between the ions increases.

Front

What happens when ionic compounds dissolve in water?

Back

Ions break away from the crystal as they are surrounded by water molecules, allowing the solution to conduct electric current.

Front

Why do ionic compounds have high melting points?

Back

Because they tend to be solids at room temperature due to strong electrostatic forces.

Front

What is a metallic bond?

Back

The electrostatic attraction between the free-flowing valence electrons and the positively charged metal cations.