Ionic Compounds

Ionic Compound

Ionic compounds are comprised of charged particles, known as ions. They have a giant lattice structure along with great electrostatic forces of attraction. An ion is an atom with positive or negative charge. They are formed when atoms loss or acquire electrons in order to achieve a full outer shell:

metal atoms lose electrons to form positively charged ions,

non-metal atoms gain electrons to form negatively charged ions.

Ionic Bonds

Positive and negative ions get produce when a metal reacts with a non-metal, as a result of transferring electrons. The oppositely charged ions are greatly attracted to one another, making ionic bonds.

The Ionic Lattice

An ionic compound is a giant structure of ions. The ions have a regular, repeating arrangement called an ionic lattice. The lattice is produced because the ions attract each other and make a regular pattern with oppositely charged ions next to each other.

Properties of Ionic Compounds

Contain regular structures, known as giant ionic lattice,

Strong electrostatic forces of attraction among oppositely charged ions,

High melting and boiling points,