Science 8 – Helgeson
Ionic Puzzle Piece Activity
Name _________________________________________
Period ________
Introduction:
When metals and non-metals chemically react, the atoms will tend to form ions or charged
atoms. Ions form because electrons are either gained or lost. Metals will generally lose
electrons and form positive ions. This is because metals tend to donate electrons in order to
achieve a full valence shell (stable state). Non-metals will gain electrons to form negative ions
since they tend to accept electrons in order to achieve a full valence shell (stable octet).
Activity:
In this activity you will create models of ionic compounds and observe the chemical formula of
the ionic compound you have created. You will need at least one positive ion and a negative
ion for each compound.
To create an ionic compound:
1. Cut out the positive and negative ion pieces.
2. Place the cards together, adding additional cards of the same ion until the heights of the
positive ions and negative ions are equal.
3. Count the number of each ion needed for the heights to be equal and record.
4. Record the name of each positive ion and negative ion combined.
5. Write both the formula and name for each ionic compound.
6. Make as many compounds as possible!
ClAl3+
Cl-
= AlCl3
(Aluminum Chloride)
Cl-
Positive Ion
Name
Number of
Positive Ions
Negative Ion
Name
Number of
Negative Ions
Chemical
Formula
Aluminum
+3
Sodium
+1
Magnesium
+2
1
Chloride
-1
Fluoride
-1
Chloride
-1
3
AlCl3
1
NaF
2
MgCl2
1
1
Ionic
Compound
Name
Aluminum
Chloride
Sodium
Fluoride
Magnesium
Chloride
Positive Ion
Name
Number of
Positive Ions
Negative Ion
Name
Number of
Negative Ions
Chemical
Formula
Ionic Compound
Name
Follow-up Questions:
1. What is the charge for all elements in Group 1? What is the charge for all elements in
Group 2? What is the charge for all elements in Group 17?
2. Do you notice a pattern in the charge for elements in each group? Explain.
(Hint: relate to number of valence (outer) electrons and the octet rule (stable structure))
3. Can an ionic compound ever consist of a negative-negative or positive-positive bond?
Explain.
4. What is the resulting charge of an atom that loses one or more electrons?
What is the resulting charge of an atom that gains one or more electrons?
5. What is the overall charge of ionic compounds? Why?