JSSS
Student
Recall that ionic bonding is the attraction between positive and negative
ions; describe the bonding in NaCl and MgO as examples
OC42
Facts
The atoms of the noble gases have a very stable arrangement of electrons and they do not join
with other atoms.
Atoms of other elements give, take, or share electrons, so as to have a stable arrangement of
electrons, like that a noble gas.
1. Write out the electron arrangement for sodium.
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2. Write out the electron arrangement for chlorine.
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3. Draw diagrams of a sodium atom and a chlorine atom.
Sodium atom
Chlorine atom
4. How can sodium most easily get an electron arrangement like a noble gas?
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5. How can chlorine most easily get an electron arrangement like a noble gas?
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6. When a sodium atom gets an electron arrangement like a noble gas, what charge will it
have?
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7. When a chlorine atom gets an electron arrangement like a noble gas, what charge will it
have?
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JSSS
Student
Reminder
An atom which has lost or gained electrons is called an ION.
An atom which loses electrons is a POSITIVE ION.
An atom which gains electrons is a NEGATIVE ION.
Positive and negative ions ATTRACT one another.
8. Draw diagrams of a sodium ion and a chloride ion.
Sodium ion
Chloride ion
An ionic bond forms between the Na+ and the Cl- ions as the oppositely charged ions are
attracted to one another.
9. If it is possible, follow the link below to see a simulation of an ionic bond
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/chemistry/classifyingmaterials/ionic_bondingr
ev5.shtml
When ionic bonds are formed, the attractions of the oppositely charged ions act in three
dimensions, so an individual molecule of NaCl is not formed but a big crystal structure is formed
instead.
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JSSS
Student
10. What is the common name for NaCl (sodium chloride)?
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11. Write out the electron arrangement for magnesium.
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12. Write out the electron arrangement for oxygen.
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13. Draw diagrams of a magnesium atom and an oxygen atom.
Magnesium atom
Oxygen atom
14. How can magnesium most easily get an electron arrangement like a noble gas?
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15. How can oxygen most easily get an electron arrangement like a noble gas?
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16. When a magnesium atom gets an electron arrangement like a noble gas, what charge will
it have?
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17. When an oxygen atom gets an electron arrangement like a noble gas, what charge will it
have?
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18. Draw diagrams of a magnesium ion and an oxygen ion.
magnesium ion
oxygen ion
An ionic bond forms between the Mg++ and the O-- ions as the oppositely charged ions are
attracted to one another.
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