Determining ionic formulae | Starter Quiz | Oak National Academy

Ions form through the loss or gain of ...

Answer explanation

Metal ions lose electrons to become positively charged ions and most non–metals gain electrons to become negatively charged ions.

When a nitrate ion forms, it gains one electron. What charge does a nitrate ion have?

• 2+

• 2–

• 1+

• 1–

Answer explanation

A nitrate ion has the formula NO₃⁻.

True or false? Non–metal atoms gain electrons to become more stable, negatively charged ions.

• true

• false

Answer explanation

Non–metal atoms become more stable when they gain electrons to fill their outer shell and become negative ions (anions).

Which of the following statements about ammonium nitrate, NH₄NO₃, are correct?

• The substance contains three elements.

• The formula contains two nitrogen atoms.

• The substance contains three oxygen atoms.

• The ratio of hydrogen to oxygen in the formula is 3 : 4.

Answer explanation

Ammonium nitrate contains nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen. The formula contains two nitrogen atoms, three oxygen atoms and four hydrogen atoms.

Match the following terms to the correct definitions.

• ion

• The regular arrangement of atoms or ions in a 3D space.

• ionic bond

• The electrostatic force of attraction between oppositely charged ions.

• lattice

• Atom or molecule with a charge due to the gain or loss of electrons.

Answer explanation

Positive and negative ions bond to the closest ions forming a crystal lattice. The lattice consists of alternating positive and negative ions, held together by strong ionic bonds.

Magnesium chloride is an ionic compound. Which of the following statements does not describe magnesium chloride?

• It contains Mg²⁺ and Cl⁻ ions.

• It forms simple molecules.

• It forms a giant lattice.

• One Mg²⁺ ion is attracted to two Cl⁻ ions.

Answer explanation

Ionic compounds form giant ionic lattices of positive and negative ions, with a strong electrostatic attraction between them.