Name: _____________________________________
Date: __________________
Period: _____
WS Ionic Bonding Activity
Introduction
When atoms bond together to form ionic compounds, they will not combine with just any other atom. For
example, two atoms that will never form an ionic bond are a sodium atom (Na) and a potassium atom (K). This
is because both Na1+ and K1+ are cations, or positively-charged ions. In order for two atoms to form an ionic
bond, one must be a cation (+ charge) and the other must be an anion (- charge). Remember, opposite
charges attract each other and similar charges repel each other. Opposite charges can bond to each other,
and similar charges cannot.
In this activity, you will get some practice in learning how atoms form ionic bonds. Follow the example complete
for you in #1 to complete the activity.
Activity
1. potassium and oxygen
Type of Ion
cation
anion
Chemical Formula
Symbol of Ion
K+
O
How Many of Ion
2
1
cation
anion
Chemical Formula
cation
anion
Chemical Formula
cation
anion
Chemical Formula
2–
K2O
2. sodium and sulfur
Type of Ion
Symbol of Ion
How Many of Ion
3. tin(II) and nitrogen
Type of Ion
Symbol of Ion
How Many of Ion
4. aluminum and hydroxide
Type of Ion
Symbol of Ion
How Many of Ion
1
5. lead(IV) and carbonate
Type of Ion
cation
anion
Chemical Formula
cation
anion
Chemical Formula
cation
anion
Chemical Formula
anion
Chemical Formula
cation
anion
Chemical Formula
cation
anion
Chemical Formula
Symbol of Ion
How Many of Ion
6. copper(II) and chlorate
Type of Ion
Symbol of Ion
How Many of Ion
7. ammonium and nitrate
Type of Ion
Symbol of Ion
How Many of Ion
8. calcium and permanganate
Type of Ion
cation
Symbol of Ion
How Many of Ion
9. ammonium and phosphate
Type of Ion
Symbol of Ion
How Many of Ion
10. zinc and bicarbonate
Type of Ion
Symbol of Ion
How Many of Ion
2
11 and 12. Make two compounds of iron and sulfate. [iron ions can typically be iron(II) or iron(III)]
Type of Ion
cation
anion
Chemical Formula
cation
anion
Chemical Formula
Symbol of Ion
How Many of Ion
Type of Ion
Symbol of Ion
How Many of Ion
13 and 14. Make two compounds of lead and nitrate. [lead ions can typically be lead(II) or lead(IV)]
Type of Ion
cation
anion
Chemical Formula
cation
anion
Chemical Formula
Symbol of Ion
How Many of Ion
Type of Ion
Symbol of Ion
How Many of Ion
15 and 16. Make two compounds of copper and hydroxide. [copper ions can typically be copper(I) or copper(II)]
Type of Ion
cation
anion
Chemical Formula
cation
anion
Chemical Formula
Symbol of Ion
How Many of Ion
Type of Ion
Symbol of Ion
How Many of Ion
3
Questions
1. What was the overall net charge on each of the ionic compounds that you wrote?
2. Consider your answers to 1-16 and the Periodic Table.
a. Do nonmetals form anions or cations?
b. Do metals form anions or cations?
3. What elements (metals, metalloids, or nonmetals) combine to form ionic bonds by doing what with electrons?
______________ combine with ______________ by _________________ electrons to form ionic bonds.
4. List 4 properties of ionic compounds:
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
5. Write the chemical formula that results when the following elements combine to form an ionic bond.
a. silver and selenium
b. barium and phosphorus
BONUS:
Write the chemical formula of the substance that forms when the following ions combine.
hydrogen ion and hydroxide ion
4