Name: __[KEY]____________________________
[KEY]
Date: __________________
WS Ionic Bonding Activity
Period: _____
[KEY]
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
Symbol of Ion
K+
O
How Many of Ion
2
1
Type of Ion
cation
anion
Symbol of Ion
Na+
How Many of Ion
2
1
Type of Ion
cation
anion
Symbol of Ion
Sn2+
How Many of Ion
3
2
Type of Ion
cation
anion
Symbol of Ion
Al3+
OH
How Many of Ion
1
3
Chemical Formula
2–
K2O
2. sodium and sulfur
Chemical Formula
2–
S
Na2S
3. tin(II) and nitrogen
N
Chemical Formula
3–
Sn3N2
4. aluminum and hydroxide
Chemical Formula
–
Al(OH)3
1
5. lead(IV) and carbonate
Type of Ion
cation
anion
Symbol of Ion
Pb4+
How Many of Ion
1
2
Type of Ion
cation
anion
Symbol of Ion
Cu2+
ClO3
How Many of Ion
2
1
Type of Ion
cation
anion
Symbol of Ion
NH4+
NO3
How Many of Ion
1
1
Type of Ion
cation
anion
Symbol of Ion
Ca2+
MnO4
How Many of Ion
1
2
Type of Ion
cation
anion
Symbol of Ion
NH4+
PO4
How Many of Ion
3
1
Type of Ion
cation
anion
Symbol of Ion
Zn2+
HCO3
How Many of Ion
1
2
Chemical Formula
2–
CO3
Pb(CO3)2
6. copper(II) and chlorate
Chemical Formula
–
Cu(ClO3)2
7. ammonium and nitrate
Chemical Formula
–
NH4NO3
8. calcium and permanganate
Chemical Formula
–
Ca(MnO4)2
9. ammonium and phosphate
Chemical Formula
3–
(NH4)3PO4
10. zinc and bicarbonate
Chemical Formula
–
Zn(HCO3)2
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
Symbol of Ion
Fe2+
How Many of Ion
1
1
Type of Ion
cation
anion
Symbol of Ion
Fe3+
How Many of Ion
2
Chemical Formula
2–
SO4
FeSO4
Chemical Formula
2–
SO4
Fe2(SO4)3
3
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
Symbol of Ion
Pb2+
NO3
How Many of Ion
1
2
Type of Ion
cation
anion
Symbol of Ion
Pb4+
NO3
How Many of Ion
1
4
Chemical Formula
–
Pb(NO3)2
Chemical Formula
–
Pb(NO3)4
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
Symbol of Ion
Cu
OH
How Many of Ion
1
1
Type of Ion
cation
anion
Symbol of Ion
Cu2+
OH
How Many of Ion
1
2
Chemical Formula
–
CuOH
Chemical Formula
–
Cu(OH)2
3
Questions
1. What was the overall net charge on each of the ionic compounds that you wrote?
zero
2. Consider your answers to 1-16 and the Periodic Table.
a. Do nonmetals form anions or cations?
anions (with negative charges by gaining electrons)
b. Do metals form anions or cations?
cations (with positive charges by losing electrons)
3. What elements (metals, metalloids, or nonmetals) combine to form ionic bonds by doing what with electrons?
___metals___ combine with __nonmetals__ by _transferring_ electrons to form ionic bonds.
4. List 4 properties of ionic compounds:
_high melting point
_hard, crystalline solids
_brittle
_good conductors when melted or dissolved
5. Write the chemical formula that results when the following elements combine to form an ionic bond.
a. silver and selenium
Ag+ Se2–
Ag2Se
b. barium and phosphorus
Ba2+ P3–
BONUS:
Ba3P2
Write the chemical formula of the substance that forms when the following ions combine.
hydrogen ion and hydroxide ion
OH–
H+
HOH
H2O
4