2.4

Structure and properties

9 flashcards to master Structure and properties

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Definition Flip

What are positive ions called, and how are they formed?

Answer Flip

Positive ions are called cations. They are formed when an atom loses electrons.

Example: sodium (Na) loses one electron to form a sodium ion (Na+).
Definition Flip

What are negative ions called, and how are they formed?

Answer Flip

Negative ions are called anions. They are formed when an atom gains electrons.

Example: chlorine (Cl) gains one electron to form a chloride ion (Cl-).
Definition Flip

Define an ionic bond.

Answer Flip

An ionic bond is a strong electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. This attraction holds the ions together in a lattice structure.

Example: Na+ and Cl- attract to form NaCl.
Key Concept Flip

Describe the arrangement of ions in an ionic compound's structure.

Answer Flip

Ionic compounds have a giant lattice structure, which is a regular arrangement of alternating positive and negative ions. This structure extends in three dimensions.

Example: NaCl has alternating Na+ and Cl- ions.
Key Concept Flip

Explain why ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points.

Answer Flip

Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points due to the strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions. A large amount of energy is needed to overcome these strong forces.

Example: NaCl has a melting point of 801°C.
Key Concept Flip

Explain the electrical conductivity of ionic compounds when solid vs. aqueous or molten.

Answer Flip

Ionic compounds conduct electricity when aqueous or molten because the ions are free to move and carry charge. When solid, the ions are fixed in the lattice and cannot move, so they do not conduct.

Example: Solid NaCl doesn't conduct, but molten NaCl does.
Key Concept Flip

Give an example of an ionic compound formed between a Group I and a Group VII element.

Answer Flip

Sodium chloride (NaCl) is formed between sodium (Group I) and chlorine (Group VII). Sodium loses an electron to form Na+, and chlorine gains an electron to form Cl-. They then attract each other.

Key Concept Flip

Give an example of an ionic compound formed between a metal and a non-metal element.

Answer Flip

Magnesium oxide (MgO) is formed between magnesium (metal) and oxygen (non-metal). Magnesium loses two electrons to form Mg2+, and oxygen gains two electrons to form O2-. They then attract each other.

Key Concept Flip

What type of elements are most likely to create ionic bonds?

Answer Flip

Elements with a large difference in electronegativity are most likely to form ionic bonds. This typically occurs between metals (low electronegativity) and nonmetals (high electronegativity).

Example: Sodium (0.93) and Chlorine (3.16).

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2.2 Atomic structure 3.1 Formulae

Key Questions: Structure and properties

What are positive ions called, and how are they formed?

Positive ions are called cations. They are formed when an atom loses electrons.

Example: sodium (Na) loses one electron to form a sodium ion (Na+).
What are negative ions called, and how are they formed?

Negative ions are called anions. They are formed when an atom gains electrons.

Example: chlorine (Cl) gains one electron to form a chloride ion (Cl-).
Define an ionic bond.

An ionic bond is a strong electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. This attraction holds the ions together in a lattice structure.

Example: Na+ and Cl- attract to form NaCl.

About Structure and properties (2.4)

These 9 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Structure and properties for your Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.

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