1.1.4

Representing Ionic Bonds

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Dot-and-Cross Diagrams

Dot-and-cross diagrams can show electrons being transferred and ions being formed. Dots represent electrons from 1 atom and crosses represent electrons from the other atom. Square brackets and a charge (e.g. 2+) represent ions.

Illustrative background for How is sodium fluoride formed?Illustrative background for How is sodium fluoride formed? ?? "content

How is sodium fluoride formed?

  • The sodium atom transfers its outer electron to the fluorine atom, creating Na+ and F- ions. Both of these ions have full outer shells.
Illustrative background for How is calcium oxide formed?Illustrative background for How is calcium oxide formed? ?? "content

How is calcium oxide formed?

  • The calcium atom transfers its 2 outer electrons to the oxygen atom, creating Ca2+ and O2- ions which both have full outer shells.

Empirical Formulae

You can work out the proportion of each ion in a compound. The empirical formula of an ionic compound is the simplest ratio of ions possible.

Illustrative background for Ca<sup>2+</sup> and F<sup>-</sup>Illustrative background for Ca<sup>2+</sup> and F<sup>-</sup> ?? "content

Ca2+ and F-

  • In order for the charges to balance out and for the overall formula to be neutral, there must be 2 F- ions for each Ca2+ ion.
    • The empirical formula is CaF2
Illustrative background for Na<sup>+</sup> + SO<sub>4</sub><sup>2-</sup>Illustrative background for Na<sup>+</sup> + SO<sub>4</sub><sup>2-</sup> ?? "content

Na+ + SO42-

  • In order for the charges to balance out and for the overall formula to be neutral, there must be 2 Na+ ions for each SO42- ion.
    • The empirical formula is Na2SO4.

Jump to other topics

1Principles of Science I

1.1Structure & Bonding

1.2Properties of Substances

1.3Cell Structure & Function

1.4Cell Specialisation

1.5Tissue Structure & Function

1.6Working with Waves

1.7Waves in Communication

2Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

3Science Investigation Skills

4Principles of Science II

4.1Extracting Elements

4.2Relating Properties to use of Substances

4.3Organic Chemistry

4.4Energy Changes in Industry

4.5The Circulatory System

4.6Ventilation & Gas Exchange

4.7Urinary System

4.8Cell Transport

4.9Thermal Physics

4.10Materials

4.11Fluids

5Contemporary Issues in Science

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