Ionic Bonding
- Occurs between metals and non-metals
- Involves transferal of electrons from metal atoms to non-metal atoms
- Positive and negative ions are formed
- Electrostatic attraction holds positive and negative ions together – this is an ionic bond
- Always exist in a lattice structure
| Property of ionic compounds | Explanation |
| Do not conduct electricity when solid | Ions are fixed in position by strong ionic bonds. When molten or dissolved in water, ions are free to move. |
| High melting/boiling points | Giant lattice structure held together by strong electrostatic attraction between ions which requires lots of energy to break |
| Brittle and shatter easily | Small displacement causes contact between ions of same charge which repel and structure shatters |
| Dissolve in water | Polar water molecules pull ions away from lattice and cause it to dissolve |
Sodium chloride is an example of an ionic crystal with the above properties. (A crystal is just a solid with a regular arrangement)
Definition of ionic bond: Electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions