2.4.2

Formation of Ions & Ionic Bonds

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Formation of Ions and Ionic Bonds

Ions are charged atoms (or groups) formed by losing (positive) or gaining (negative) electrons for stability. Opposite charges attract, forming strong ionic bonds that build crystal lattices.

Illustrative background for What are ions?Illustrative background for What are ions? ?? "content

What are ions?

  • Ions are atoms or groups of atoms that carry an electric charge.
    • Positive ions have more protons than electrons.
    • Negative ions have more electrons than protons.
  • Ions form to achieve a full outer electron shell, making atoms more stable.
Illustrative background for Formation of positive ions (cations)Illustrative background for Formation of positive ions (cations) ?? "content

Formation of positive ions (cations)

  • Atoms of metals lose electrons to become positive ions.
  • Losing electrons reduces the number of negative charges.
    • For example, sodium (Na) loses one electron to form Na+.
    • This electron loss helps the atom have a full outer shell like noble gases.
Illustrative background for Formation of negative ions (anions)Illustrative background for Formation of negative ions (anions) ?? "content

Formation of negative ions (anions)

  • Atoms of non-metals gain electrons to become negative ions.
  • Gaining electrons increases the number of negative charges.
    • For example, chlorine (Cl) gains one electron to form Cl-.
    • This electron gain helps the atom have a full outer shell like noble gases.
Illustrative background for How ionic bonds formIllustrative background for How ionic bonds form ?? "content

How ionic bonds form

  • Ionic bonds form between positive metal ions and negative non-metal ions.
  • Opposite charges attract and hold the ions together.
  • This attraction creates a strong ionic bond.
  • Ionic compounds form crystal lattices due to these bonds.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3Stoichometry

4Electrochemistry

5Chemical Energetics

6Chemical Reactions

7Acids, Bases & Salts

8The Periodic Table

9Metals

10Chemistry of the Environment

11Organic Chemistry

11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2Naming Organic Compounds

11.3Fuels

11.4Alkanes

11.5Alkenes

11.6Alcohols

11.7Carboxylic Acids

11.8Polymers

12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

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