Ionic Bonding Puzzle Lab
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 form cations or positive ions, since they tend
to donate electrons Non-metals will form anions or negative ions, since they tend to accept electrons.
Make the following, and keep them together to answer some questions:
Find one of the Potassium ions and Bromide ions. Place them together. Keep them like this.
Find one of the Calcium ions and two of the Chloride ions. Place them together. Keep them like this.
Find one of the three of the Potassium ions and one of the Nitride ions. Place them together. Keep them
like this.
1. Using the previous answer conclusion QUESTION 1 thru QUESTION 5.
2. Using the different ions provided, follow the chart to combine different combinations together to form
10 different compounds.
Note: Do not combine one cation with more than one other anion. In other words, you should only be using 2
different elements for each bonding situation. For example: Aluminum may be combined with 3 different
fluoride ions, but it cannot combine with one fluoride ion, one bromide ion, and one oxide ion.
Conclusion Questions:
1. Each of these compounds is a BINARY COMPOUND. Explain why this is a true statement.
2. Cations have what charge after the element symbol? Write me an example.
3. Anions have what charge after the element symbol? Write me an example.
4. Notice the shape and charge of the cation and anion models. When do these shapes help to portray?
5. How do the names of the cations differ from the names of the neutral atoms?
6. How do the names of the anions differ from the names of the neutral atoms?
7. What types of bonds were formed during this activity?
8. How do you know this type of bond was formed (think of the elements used)?
9. Provide a definition for your answer to the previous question (whatever type of bond was formed, define it).
List the symbols
of the two
elements and
circle the metal
1
Ca
Cl
2
Mg
O
3
Na
S
Oxidation
numbers of each
element
+2
-1
4
+1
-2
5
+1
-1
Cation name
Anion name
Chemical
Formula
(Metal first)
(Transition metals have Oxidation
Numbers in parenthesis)
Calcium
Chlorine
CaCl2
Calcium chloride
6
FeF2
7
Al N
Name of Compound
8
Copper (I) flouride
9
Calcium bromide
10
Titanium (IV) oxide
Tell me the formula and draw me the ionic bonding for of the following:
11. Sodium and chlorine
13. Sodium and phosphorus
Formula: _________________
Formula: _________________
12. Sodium and sulfur
14. Magnesium and phosphorus
Formula: _________________
Formula: _________________