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Ionic Bonding

Ionic bonding is the chemical bonding formed by transfer of electrons from one atom to another, producing oppositely charged ions that attract each other strongly.

Practice This Concept

Main explanation

Teacher explanation

In ionic bonding, a metal atom usually loses electron(s) to form a cation, and a non-metal atom gains electron(s) to form an anion. The strong electrostatic attraction between these ions forms an ionic compound. In solid state, ions are fixed in position, but in molten or aqueous state, ions become mobile and can conduct electricity.

Example

In sodium chloride, sodium loses one electron to form Na⁺ and chlorine gains one electron to form Cl^-. Oppositely charged ions attract to form an ionic lattice.

Simple analogy

Fixed ions do not conduct; mobile ions conduct.

Common confusion

Students often say solid ionic compounds conduct electricity because they contain ions. They conduct only when ions are mobile, such as in molten or aqueous state.

Exam tip

For properties, write strong electrostatic attraction for high melting point and mobile ions for conductivity in molten or aqueous state.

Study the ionic bonding diagram carefully

Use the labelled diagram to keep ionic bonding clear in short answers and revision.

What this diagram makes clear

This diagram keeps the labels and direction of ionic bonding in the right order.

Where this helps in exams

Use this for labelled diagram work and short exam answers on ionic bonding.

Revision cue

Revise ionic bonding through the labels before writing the answer.

Answer writing and exam use

1-mark use

Write the exact meaning of ionic bonding in one clean line.

2-mark use

Define ionic bonding and add one example or condition.

3-mark use

Explain ionic bonding, show the method or example, and mention the common mistake.

MCQ Quiz

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