GCSE · Chemistry · AQA · Spec 8462

Ionic compounds (giant ionic lattice)

From atoms to ions

Metal atomvsNon-metal atom

Track what happens to electrons on each side of the transfer.

Focus

Electron change

Metal atom

Loses electrons from its outer shell.

Non-metal atom

Gains electrons into its outer shell.

The insight

Electron transfer creates the two oppositely charged kinds of ion needed for ionic bonding.

Ion formed

Metal atom

Becomes a positively charged ion.

Non-metal atom

Becomes a negatively charged ion.

Relevant groups

Metal atom

Metals in Groups 1 and 2 form ions whose charge relates to the group number.

Non-metal atom

Non-metals in Groups 6 and 7 form ions whose charge relates to the group number.

Electronic structure

Metal atom

The ion has the electronic structure of a noble gas.

Non-metal atom

The ion has the electronic structure of a noble gas.

How the giant lattice forms

Follow the chain from atoms to structure and then to properties.

  1. Metal meets non-metalIonic bonding occurs when metals combine with non-metals.
  2. Electrons transferOuter-shell electrons are transferred from metal atoms to non-metal atoms, creating charged ions.
  3. Opposite ions attractPositive and negative ions attract through strong electrostatic forces.
  4. A regular lattice formsThe ions form a giant regular structure in which strong attractions act in all directions.
  5. Strong bonds resist heatingA large amount of energy is needed to break the many strong bonds, giving ionic compounds high melting and boiling points.
  6. Moving ions carry chargeWhen the compound is melted or dissolved in water, ions are free to move so charge can flow.

Reading ionic-structure models

Different representations help you inspect the same giant structure in different ways.

Core ionic language

These terms connect structure, bonding and properties.

Predict, then check

Use the pattern in the model before revealing the explanation.

A structural diagram shows a regular repeating arrangement of positively and negatively charged ions. What should you deduce?

WHAT YOU'VE LEARNED

A quick recap of today's lesson.

See how opposite ions build a giant structure and how that structure controls its properties.

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