Ionic+Bonds

__ Ionic Bonds: __

Ionic bonds are a type of chemical bond that often takes place between metals and nonmetals. There is always usually a metal in ionic bonds. Ionic bonds are formed when two or more atoms bond to each other and exchange electrons. This phenomenon is the result of different electronegeativities of atoms, or the ability of atoms to attract electrons from other neighboring/linked atoms. If the difference of the electronegativities is greater than 1.67, the bond is ionic. Here is a demonstration below.

x = electronegativity of atom 1, y = electronegativity of atom 2, z = difference

x - y = z

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Subtract the electronegativities of the atoms, and if z > 1.67, the bond is ionic, and the atom with the higher electronegativity will gain an electron and become an anion, while the lesser electronegative atom will cede the electron over to the other atom, and will become a cation, or positively charged ion. Once the two ions have each been established, they become attracted to each other due to being opposite charges, and they form an ionic bond, as the bond is between newly formed cations and anions, or positively charged ions and negatively charged ions.

Ionic Compounds: Ionic compounds are compounds created as a result of ionic bonding. When atoms ionically bond, an electron is transferred from an atom of lower electronegativity to one of a higher one, and the atom that loses the electron becomes a cation, or positive ion, while the atom that gains the ceded electron from the other atom becomes an anion, or negative ion. Then, the opposite charges attract to each other, and an ionic bond is formed. Well, in ionic compounds, there are repeating patterns of ionic bonds called "unit cells". They are organized into formula units, and the ions are distributed in a crystal lattice pattern. the diagram on the right depicts the ionic crystal lattice structure of NaCI, sodium chloride, or otherwise known as table salt. Ionic compounds are stronger, durable, more solidified compounds, and they are soluble in water as well. Salt, NaCI, for example, is an ionic compound, and it is soluble in water.

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