Ionic Compounds

• What is the primary characteristic of ionic compounds?

  They have ionic bonding due to electrostatic attraction
• Why is the electrostatic attraction important in ionic compounds?

  It leads to the formation of ionic bonds
• What structure do ionic compounds have?

  • Regular lattice structure
  • Ions are closely packed
  • Strong electrostatic forces of attraction
• How are ions arranged in ionic compounds?

  They are arranged in a regular lattice structure
• What happens to ions in ionic compounds when they are solid?

  They are held in place and cannot conduct electricity
• What occurs when ionic compounds melt?

  The ions are free to move and conduct electricity
• What is a property of ionic compounds when dissolved in water?

  They can conduct electricity
• How do ions behave in a solution of ionic compounds?

  They separate and move freely in the solution
• What are the similarities in properties of ionic compounds?

  • High melting points
  • High boiling points
  • Strong bonds between ions
• Why do ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points?

  Due to strong bonds between the ions
• What energy is required to overcome ionic attraction in ionic compounds?

  A lot of energy is needed to overcome attraction
• What happens to ionic compounds when they are melted?

  The ions are free to move
• What is the effect of melting ionic compounds on their ability to conduct electricity?

  They can conduct electricity when melted
• What is the empirical formula of an ionic compound?

  It represents the simplest ratio of ions
• How can you determine the empirical formula of an ionic compound?

  By calculating the ratio of ions present
• What might you need to do to find the empirical formula of an ionic compound?

  You might need to work out the empirical formula
• What can ions do in a solution?

  They can carry electric charge.
• Why are ions free to move in a solution?

  Because they are separated and dissolved.
• How do you find the empirical formula of an ionic compound?

  1. Look at the charges to find the formula.
  2. Use a diagram to count atoms of each element.
  3. Balance the charges to ensure overall neutrality.
• What should you do if given a diagram of an ionic lattice?

  Count the atoms of each element.
• What is the significance of balancing charges in ionic compounds?

  To ensure the overall charge is zero.
• If given a 3D diagram of an ionic lattice, what can you determine?

  You can find the ions present in the compound.
• What must you do to balance the charges of ions in a compound?

  Adjust the number of each ion type.
• What is the empirical formula of an ionic compound?

  It shows the simplest ratio of ions.
• What are the steps to determine the empirical formula from a diagram?

  1. Identify the elements present.
  2. Count the number of atoms for each element.
  3. Write the simplest ratio of the atoms.
• How do you determine the charge of an ion from its group number?

  Group 1 forms +1 ions, Group 6 forms -2 ions.
• How does the charge of an ion affect its bonding?

  It determines how ions combine to form compounds.
• What is the charge of a potassium ion?

  +1
• What is the charge of an oxide ion?

  -2
• Why does potassium ion have a +1 charge?

  It loses one electron to achieve stability.
• Why does oxide ion have a -2 charge?

  It gains two electrons to achieve stability.
• What is the empirical formula for potassium oxide?

  • Potassium ion: +1 charge
  • Oxide ion: -2 charge
  • Empirical formula: K₂O
• What is the empirical formula for magnesium oxide?

  MgO
• How do you balance the charges in magnesium oxide?

  One magnesium ion balances with one oxide ion.
• What is the empirical formula for an ionic compound with a +2 magnesium ion and a -2 oxide ion?

  • Magnesium ion: +2 charge
  • Oxide ion: -2 charge
  • Empirical formula: MgO
• What is the charge of a sulfate ion?

  -2
• Why is the overall charge of an ionic compound zero?

  Because the positive and negative charges balance out.
• What are the steps to determine the empirical formula from a diagram of an ionic compound?

  1. Identify the ions present.
  2. Count the number of each ion.
  3. Write the simplest ratio of ions.
• What is the empirical formula for sodium chloride?

  NaCl
• How do you determine the charge of an ion from its group number?

  Group 1 forms +1, Group 7 forms -1.