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Ionic Bonds

What is an ionic bond?

An ionic bond is the force of attraction between the opposite charges of an ion. One element in an ionic bond loses electrons, and another element must gain the electrons. Some atoms lose electrons to make the outside energy levels become more stable. Atoms become more stable when their outer most energy level has 8 electrons. Pure ionic compounds usually are crystalline solids, liquids, or gases. Many ionic compounds are binary compounds.

This shows an atom losing an electron.

Ionic Bond Animation

Animation created by Michelle in Ulead GIF Animator

 

Ionic compounds usually have much higher melting and boiling points than covalent compounds.

Ionic Compounds:

Compound Melting Point
NaCl 8010C
MgO 28520C
NaBr 7470C
LiF 840C

Many ionic compounds dissolve easily in water. The human body must keep a precise amount of ions in order to function properly, these ions are called electrolytes. Without the right concentration of electrolytes your nerve impulses can't travel to your brain.

*When you sweat you lose electrolytes. Athletes drink certain drinks to keep the electrolytes balanced*

 

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  In this animation you see two molecules, Potissum (K) and Iodine (I). The electron is transferring from the Potissium (K) ion to the Iodine (I) ion , which is what makes it an ionic compound. Potassium (K) losing an electron to Iodine (I). Potassium Iodide is used to treat thyroid problems in humans.

animation created by Beth in Ulead GIF Animator

 

 

FORMULAS

A good way of showing information about the atoms that constitutes a particular chemical compound is in a table. Formulas identify types of chemical elements by its chemical symbol. A chemical formula tells what elements a compound contains and the exact number of atoms of each element in a unit of that compound.

Chemical Name Formula
silicon dioxide  SiO2
Potassium Bromide KBr
Borium Chloride BaCl2
Sodium Sulfide Na2S
Barium Phosphide Ba3P2

 

Oxidation Numbers

The oxidation number tells you how many electrons an atom has gained, lost, or shared to become stable. The sum of oxidation numbers of all the atoms in the compound must equal zero. Oxidation numbers may be used to determine the most likely formulas for binary compounds. Oxidation number may be criss crossed to create subscripts in the formula.

example: Aluminum has an oxidation number of +3 and oxygen has an oxidation number of -2. The formula for Aluminum Oxide is Al2O3.

 

cc The oxidation numbers on Aluminum (Al) and Oxygen (O) are switched, and written as subscripts on the formula for Aluminum Oxide.

Animation created by Todd and Beth in ULead Gif animator

 

Ionic quiz

Chemical Bonding Quiz

For more information about chemical bonding visit this site.