Ionic bonds

Ionic bonds

1. An ion is an atom or group of atoms with a positive or negative charge

2. Most elements have incomplete outer shells and therefore can lose/gain electrons to complete their shells in a chemical reaction between two elements

3. When atoms have gained/lost electrons and become ions, they either become cations or anions

   • Cations:
     • When a metal atom loses an electron and becomes positively charged because it has more protons than electrons. You can show this reaction has occurred by placing a '+' next to the chemical symbol, for example Na+
   • Anions:
     • Non metal atoms gain electrons to form negatively charged ions are called anions. When this takes place you add a 'Na-', this represents a sodium ion which has gained an electron and therefore is negatively charged
     • One electron is transferred from the metal atom which isn't needed and is placed on the outermost shell of the non-metal atom which needs to complete their shell

4. When non metals form ions, they add 'ide' on the end of the chemical name

5. Non-metals gain electrons to complete their outermost shell when they form ions

6. Transferring electrons

   • When atoms of different elements combine to form compounds, new chemical bonds form. Oppositely charged ions attract each other strongly
     • New chemical bonds form called ionic bonds