Understanding Ionic Bonds

What is the primary reason atoms form ionic bonds?

• To achieve a stable electron configuration

• To increase their atomic mass

• To become radioactive

• To change their atomic number

How do ionic compounds maintain neutrality?

• By having more electrons than protons

• By forming covalent bonds

• By balancing the positive and negative charges

• By having equal numbers of protons and neutrons

Which of the following is a characteristic of ionic compounds?

• They are composed of only nonmetals

• They are formed by the sharing of electrons

• They consist of metals and nonmetals

• They have a low melting point

What happens to sodium and fluorine atoms during the formation of an ionic bond?

• Sodium gains an electron and fluorine loses an electron

• Both sodium and fluorine gain electrons

• Both sodium and fluorine lose electrons

• Sodium loses an electron and fluorine gains an electron

What determines the structure of an ionic compound?

• The speed of electron exchange

• The temperature of the environment

• The size and charge of the ions

• The color of the ions