3.2 AS Level

Ionic bonding

6 flashcards to master this topic

Definition Flip

Define ionic bonding.

Answer Flip

Ionic bonding is the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. These ions are formed through the transfer of electrons, creating positively charged cations and negatively charged anions.

Key Concept Flip

Describe the formation of sodium chloride (NaCl) through ionic bonding.

Answer Flip

Sodium (Na) loses one electron to become a Na⁺ cation. Chlorine (Cl) gains one electron to become a Cl⁻ anion. The electrostatic attraction between Na⁺ and Cl⁻ forms the ionic bond in NaCl.

Key Concept Flip

Describe the formation of magnesium oxide (MgO) through ionic bonding.

Answer Flip

Magnesium (Mg) loses two electrons to become a Mg²⁺ cation. Oxygen (O) gains two electrons to become an O²⁻ anion. The electrostatic attraction between Mg²⁺ and O²⁻ forms the ionic bond in MgO.

Key Concept Flip

Describe the formation of calcium fluoride (CaF₂) through ionic bonding.

Answer Flip

Calcium (Ca) loses two electrons to become a Ca²⁺ cation. Two fluorine (F) atoms each gain one electron to become two F⁻ anions. The electrostatic attraction between Ca²⁺ and two F⁻ ions forms the ionic bond in CaF₂.

Key Concept Flip

What is the relationship between charge magnitude and the strength of an ionic bond?

Answer Flip

The greater the magnitude of the charge on the ions, the stronger the electrostatic attraction and thus the stronger the ionic bond.

Example: MgO (Mg²⁺ and O²⁻) has a stronger ionic bond than NaCl (Na⁺ and Cl⁻).
Key Concept Flip

What type of elements typically form ionic bonds?

Answer Flip

Ionic bonds typically form between metals (which readily lose electrons to form cations) and non-metals (which readily gain electrons to form anions).

Ready to test yourself?

Practice with MCQ questions to check your understanding of Ionic bonding.

Take Quiz
3.1 Electronegativity and bonding 3.3 Metallic bonding