Formation of ions and ionic bonding
Practice Flashcards
Flip to reveal answersWhat is an ion?
Track your progress — Sign up free to save your progress and get smart review reminders based on spaced repetition.
All 12 Flashcards — Formation of ions and ionic bonding
Sign up free to track progress and get spaced-repetition review schedules.
Question
What is an ion?
Answer
An atom (or group of atoms) with an overall **charge** because it has **lost or gained electrons**.
Question
What is a cation?
Answer
A **positive** ion, formed when an atom **loses** electrons (more protons than electrons).
Question
What is an anion?
Answer
A **negative** ion, formed when an atom **gains** electrons (more electrons than protons).
Question
Do metals form cations or anions?
Answer
**Cations** — metals **lose** their outer electrons to form **positive** ions.
Question
Do non-metals form cations or anions?
Answer
**Anions** — non-metals **gain** electrons to form **negative** ions.
Question
Why do atoms form ions?
Answer
To reach a **full outer shell** — the stable **noble-gas configuration** of a Group 18 atom.
Question
Usual ion for Groups 1, 2 and 13?
Answer
**1+, 2+, 3+** — these metals lose 1, 2 or 3 outer electrons.
Question
Usual ion for Groups 15, 16 and 17?
Answer
**3−, 2−, 1−** — these non-metals gain 3, 2 or 1 electrons.
Question
What is the definition of an ionic bond?
Answer
The **electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions** (a cation and an anion).
Question
Ions formed when an atom has configuration 2, 8, 7?
Answer
Group 17, so it **gains 1** electron → a **1−** ion (reaching 2, 8, 8).
Question
Ions in sodium chloride, NaCl?
Answer
**Na⁺** (sodium loses 1 e⁻) and **Cl⁻** (chlorine gains 1 e⁻).
Question
Ionic bond vs covalent bond?
Answer
Ionic = **attraction between charged ions** (electrons transferred); covalent = a **shared pair** of electrons.
Read the notes
Full study notes for Formation of ions and ionic bonding
Topic 2.1 hub
The ionic model
More from Topic 2.1
All flashcards in this topic
Chemistry exam skills
Paper structures & tips
Track your progress with spaced repetition
Sign up free — Aimnova tells you exactly which cards to review and when, so you remember everything before your IB exam.
Start Free