Ionic Bonding

Question 1

What is an ionic bond? Give an example.

Answer 1

A bond between metal and non-metal with strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions.

An example of an ionic bond is Sodium Chloride

Question 2

Describe ionic bonds’ melting and boiling points.

Answer 2

In a solid ionic compound like NaCl

• ions are held by a strong electrostatic force of attraction between oppositely charged ions
• therefore it requires large amounts of heat energy to overcome these forces and break the bonds
• causing its melting and boiling points to be high.

Question 3

Describe ionic bonds’ electrical conductivity.

Answer 3

• ionic compounds cannot conduct electricity when solid
• ions are held together by strong electrostatic force of attraction
• therefore are in a fixed structure and are not free to move

however, ionic compounds can conduct electricity when molten or in an aqueous solution

• as their giant ionic lattice is broken
• therefore its ions are free to move and carry charge.

Question 4

How are ionic compounds formed?

Answer 4

Formed when atoms of metals transfer electrons to atoms of non-metals to form compounds made up of ions.