Ions and ionic bonding

Learning objectives

Describe the formation of positive ions (cations) and negative ions (anions) by the loss or gain of electrons

Describe the formation of ionic bonds between elements from Group I and Group VII using dot-and-cross diagrams

Describe the formation of ionic bonds between metallic and non-metallic elements more generally, e.g. magnesium oxide and calcium chloride, using dot-and-cross diagrams (Extended)

State that an ionic bond is a strong electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions and, at Extended, describe the giant lattice structure of an ionic compound as a regular arrangement of alternating positive and negative ions

Describe the properties of ionic compounds (high melting and boiling points; conduct electricity when molten or in aqueous solution but not when solid) and, at Extended, explain them in terms of structure and bonding