Ionic bonding
Cambridge A-Level Chemistry (9701) · Unit 3: Chemical bonding · 6 flashcards
Ionic bonding is topic 3.2 in the Cambridge A-Level Chemistry (9701) syllabus , positioned in Unit 3 — Chemical bonding , alongside Electronegativity and bonding, Metallic bonding and Shapes of molecules. In one line: 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.
Marked as AS Level: examined at AS Level in Paper 1 (Multiple Choice), Paper 2 (AS Structured Questions) and Paper 3 (Advanced Practical Skills). The same content may also be assumed in Paper 4 (A Level Structured Questions).
The deck below contains 6 flashcards — 1 definition and 5 key concepts — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward. Use the definition card to lock down command-word answers (define, state), then move on to the concept and calculation cards to handle explain, describe, calculate and compare questions.
Ionic bonding
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.
What the Cambridge 9701 syllabus says
2025-2027 syllabus, in our words · AS LevelWhat the syllabus expects you to be able to do in this topic, in plain English. For the exact wording, see the official syllabus (PDF).
- Define ionic bonding as electrostatic attraction between ions of opposite charge, that is, positive cations and negative anions.
- Describe ionic bonding, using calcium fluoride, sodium chloride and magnesium oxide as examples.
Cambridge syllabus keywords to use in your answers
These are the official Cambridge 9701 terms tagged to this section. Mark schemes credit responses that use the exact term — weave them into your answers verbatim rather than paraphrasing.
Define ionic bonding.
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.
Describe the formation of sodium chloride (NaCl) through ionic bonding.
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.
Describe the formation of magnesium oxide (MgO) through ionic bonding.
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.
Describe the formation of calcium fluoride (CaF₂) through ionic bonding.
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.
What is the relationship between charge magnitude and the strength of an ionic bond?
The greater the magnitude of the charge on the ions, the stronger the electrostatic attraction and thus the stronger the ionic bond.
What type of elements typically form ionic bonds?
Ionic bonds typically form between metals (which readily lose electrons to form cations) and non-metals (which readily gain electrons to form anions).
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All Chemistry FlashcardsMore topics in Unit 3 — Chemical bonding
Ionic bonding sits alongside these A-Level Chemistry decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.
Key terms covered in this Ionic bonding deck
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