Chemistry: Ionic Compounds
Inquiry Question
In what ways can a visual representation of anions and
cations help us predict how they combine in ionic
compounds?
Name: ___________________________
Date: ____________
Sometimes it can be difficult to know how exactly ions combine to make ionic compounds. If we think of
them like puzzle pieces, we can start to imagine that some of them just don’t fit together. There are not
a lot of rules, but in general cations (positive ions) combine with anions (negative ions) to form ionic
compounds. But how do we know how many of each we need? In this project you will have a chance to
visually represent anions and cations with their ‘gained’ and ‘lost’ electrons. This will allow you to see
what it looks like when they combine, and how tightly they stick together in this form.
On the following pages, explore the model we’ve used to visually represent the ionic bonding of various
compounds. Become familiar with this concept as it might show up again in a later unit….
Instructions
Binary compounds contain one type of cation and one type of anion (ie. Mg(OH)2). The number of positive
and negative charges are canceled so that there is no net charge on the compound.
The goal of this project is to help you become more comfortable with how ions combine to form binary ionic
compounds. One way to represent or think about ions is as puzzle pieces. Anions (negative ions made from
non-metals) always have more electrons than the atoms they are made from so we represent them as pieces
with tabs sticking out. Cations (positive ions made from metals) always have less electrons than the atoms
they are made from so we represent them as pieces with holes. You will need to fit ionic puzzle pieces
together correctly to create a single formula unit ("molecule") in each box. Remember to balance between
negative and positive and then provide both formulas and names for the compounds you have created.
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Chemistry: Ionic Compounds
Instructions:
On each page you will find boxes and on the next page puzzle pieces. Your job will be to cut out and move
(glue into place) the puzzle pieces into the correct boxes so that all pieces are used and then to provide names
for the compounds you have created. After you have placed all the puzzle pieces into the correct locations, and
you’ve provided the names, please take a photograph of the pages and submit them using the dropbox. See
an example below.
This Project will be graded according to the marking rubric.
Examples:
Here is what an unfinished compound will look like:
Cl
-
2+
Mg
Cl
-
Here is what a finished compound would look like with the formula and name written below:
2+
Mg
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Cl
-
Cl
-
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Chemistry: Ionic Compounds
Monovalent Ionic Compounds (puzzle pieces):
Monovalent ionic compounds are ones in which the metal only has one possible charge. Naming them
is quite straightforward. You write the name of the metal first. Then you write the name of the nonmetal but you change the ending to IDE. For example oxygen becomes oxide. Complete the four
boxes below by moving the pieces around to create four ionic compounds. Remember there should be
no left-over pieces when you are done. Provide formulas and names for each.
S
2+
Mg
2-
F
F
2+
Al
3+
Mg
S
-
Na
-
S
2-
3+
3-
P
2+
Mg
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Cl
Zr
4+
2-
Al
F
+
-
3-
P
F
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-
Chemistry: Ionic Compounds
Monovalent Ionic Compounds (solution):
Formula:
Name:
Formula:
Name:
Formula:
Name:
Formula:
Name:
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Chemistry: Ionic Compounds
Polyatomic Compounds (puzzle pieces):
Polyatomic compounds are a special form of ionic compounds where one or both of the ions is made
from a combination of non-metals rather than just a single non-metal. However the rules for combining
them are essentially the same as for simple ionic compounds. Nothing will change about how you
arrange the puzzle pieces. In the formulas you use brackets ONLY if you have more than one of an
ion. For example Al2(SO4)3 you need brackets because you have three sulfate ions. CaSO4 you do not
need brackets because you only have one sulfate ion. Complete the five boxes below to create
polyatomic compounds. Provide formulas and names for each.
+
+
NH4
NH4
2-
SO4
Ca
Sc
+
NH4
2+
2-
CrO4
3+
2-
CrO4
Sc
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+
NH4
3+
Ca
PO3
2+
3-
2-
CrO4
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OH
-
OH
-
OH
-
Chemistry: Ionic Compounds
Polyatomic Compounds (solution):
Formula:
Name:
Formula:
Name:
Formula:
Name:
Formula:
Name:
Formula:
Name:
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Chemistry: Ionic Compounds
Multivalent Ionic Compounds (puzzle pieces):
Some metals are able to form ions with more than one charge. These are called multivalent metals.
When naming an ionic compound you must always check your periodic table to determine if the metal
is multivalent. You will know a metal is multivalent if you see more than one charge. When naming
a compound with a multivalent metal you must use a roman numeral in the middle of the name. For
example FeCl2 is Iron (II) Chloride. Complete the five boxes below to create multivalent ionic
compounds. Provide formulas and names for each.
+
2-
SO3
Cu
2+
Cu
2+
Mn
2-
SO3
3+
Mn
2-
Mn
Mn
Cl
SO3
3+
4+
2-
SO3
2-
SO3
Cl
Cl
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2-
-
SO3
-
-
Chemistry: Ionic Compounds
Multivalent Ionic Compounds (solution):
Formula:
Name:
Formula:
Name:
Formula:
Name:
Formula:
Name:
Formula:
Name:
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Chemistry: Ionic Compounds
Acids (puzzle pieces):
There is a simple way to recognize almost any acid. It's formula will begin with an H. However there
is a slight wrinkle. If the acid is organic (contains a C-H bond) then it's formula will end with an H
instead. If the acid is created from hygroden and a non-metal you put hydro at the start of it's name. If
it is created from a polyatomic ion then you make the following changes when naming the acid. ATE
becomes IC. ITE becomes OUS. Complete the four boxes below to create acids. Provide names and
formulas for each.
S
2-
-
H
H
H
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+
SO4
2-
CH3COO
SO3
H
+
2-
+
+
H
H
+
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H
+
+
Chemistry: Ionic Compounds
Acids (solution):
Formula:
Name:
Formula:
Name:
Formula:
Name:
Formula:
Name:
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Chemistry: Ionic Compounds
Putting it all together (puzzle pieces):
Anything is possible on this page. For each compound you need to recognize what type it is (simple
ionic, polyatomic, multivalent, acid) and use the appropriate naming rules. Complete the four boxes
below to create compounds. Provide names and formulas for each.
PO3
3-
Sr
2-
O
2+
H
Sr
6+
U
2+
+
3-
As
H
+
3-
H
As
+
2-
O
2-
CO3
4+
Rh
2-
O
2-
CO3
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Sr
2+
Chemistry: Ionic Compounds
Putting it all together (solution):
Formula:
Name:
Formula:
Name:
Formula:
Name:
Formula:
Name:
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