Forming ionic bonds
Positively Property of matter that causes a force when near another charge. Charge comes in two forms, positive and negative. For example, a negative charge causes a repulsive force on a neighbouring negative charge. Electrically charged particle, formed when an atom or molecule gains or loses electrons. are called An atom or group of atoms that have lost electrons and become positively charged. Most cations are formed from metals., and negatively charged ions are called An atom or group of atoms that have gained electrons and become negatively charged. Most anions are formed from non-metals.. These ions can form when a Shiny element that is a good conductor of electricity and heat, and which forms basic oxides. reacts with a Element that is a poor conductor of electricity and heat, and which forms acidic oxides., by transferring Subatomic particle, with a negative charge and a negligible mass relative to protons and neutrons.. The oppositely charged ions are strongly attracted to each other, forming Ionic bonding forms between two atoms when an electron is transferred from one atom to the other, forming a positive-negative ion pair..
An explanation of ionic bonding
Dot and cross diagrams
A dot and cross diagram can model the transfer of electrons from metal atoms to non-metal atoms. The electrons from one atom are shown as dots, and the electrons from the other atom are shown as crosses. For example, when sodium reacts with chlorine, electrons transfer from sodium The smallest part of an element that can exist. to chlorine atoms.
Modelling ionic bonding
The slideshow shows dot and cross diagrams for the ions in sodium chloride, magnesium oxide and calcium chloride.
1 of 6
More guides on this topic
- Equations and formulae - Edexcel
- Hazards and risks - Edexcel
- Atomic structure - Edexcel
- The periodic table - Edexcel
- Simple molecular substances - Edexcel
- Giant covalent substances - Edexcel
- Metals and non-metals - Edexcel
- Chemistry calculations - Edexcel
- Mole calculations (higher) - Edexcel
- Sample exam questions - key concepts in chemistry - Edexcel