Name _____________________________________________ Date _______ Period _________
Ionic Bonding Puzzle Activity
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.
Activity
In this activity you will create models of ionic compounds and observe the chemical formula of
the binary molecules you have created. Your data will be recorded in a data table or chart,
similar to the one below.
Cation name
Anion name
Chemical Formula
Name
Discussion/Conclusion (talk with your classmates and address in your write-up)

Notice the shape and charge of each cation model. Why do you think there are slots in the
metal atoms? (TIP: How do the atoms become ions?)

Notice the shape and charge of the anion models. Why do you think there are tabs in the nonmetal atoms?

If you were to make a neutral atom following the model, what would the shape be?

Group the ion models by family. What do you notice about the number of tabs or slots? What
do you notice about the tabs or slots and charge of all ions? Is there a pattern? Why do you
think the model is made that way?

In the compounds you formed, what do you notice about the ion charges, the net or final
charge of the compound and how the charge relates to the chemical formula of the
compound?

What do you notice about the names of the cations and anions on the cards. How do they
compare with the name of the neutral atom or element. Do all metals have a number in
parenthesis? Do the non-metals have anything in common about their name?

Is there a pattern between elements in a group or family and any numbers on the Periodic
Table? (TIP: Think octet rule and how many electrons are involved to meet octet.)
Ionic Bonding Puzzle Pre-Lab Questions
1. Metals ___________ electrons and become positive ions or ______________.
2. Non-metals __________ electrons and become negative ions or _____________.
3. Cations and anions are __________________ to each other because of their
_______________ ____________________.
Al2O3
4. In a chemical formula, the ______________ show the ___________ of each atom in the
________________. (subscripts, ratio, compound)
5. For an ionic compound, the ____________ of the cation and the anion need to
_______________ to make a ______________ compound. The chemical ______________
shows the _________________ of each ion as a subscript to make a
_____________________ compound. (charges, number, neutral (use twice), formula, balance)
6. When writing the formula for a compound the ______________ comes first and the
___________ comes second.
7. The cation name is the same as the ____________. If the anion is ____________ it gets and
_________ ending. If any of the ions are _______________, the name is what it is on the
polyatomic ion list. (anion, polyatomic , monatomic, metal)
8. Using the ion cards: What ratio will the +1 and -1 ions combine to balance the charge?
What will be the formula for this compound?
K1+
Cl1-
+

9. What ratio will the +2 and -1 ions combine to balance the charge? What will be the formula
for this compound?
I1Ca2+
+

10. Remember, when naming cations of for transitions metals, a _____________
______________ needs to come in parenthesis after its name to show its ____________.
(charge; roman numeral)
Make the following compounds with the puzzle pieces. Write their correct formulas and names.
Combination:
Titanium (IV)
and carbonate
Bromide and
Yttrium (III)
Calcium and
Phosphide
Lithium and
Phosphate
Oxide and Iron
(III)
Sodium and
Hydroxide
Iron (II) and
Chloride
Hydroxide and
Silver (I)
Magnesium and
Iodide
Copper (II) and
Oxide
Potassium and
Sulfide
Sulfide and
Hydronium
Cation symbol
Anion symbol
Chemical Formula
Compound Name
OH-1
H3O+1
Mg+2
Y+3
OH-1
K+1
Cl-1
K+1
P-3
Mg+2
Cl-1
Fe+3
K+1
Br-1
P-3
Ag+1
Ca+2
Br-1
Ag+1
Br-1
Fe+2
Li+1
Sr+2
PO4-3
S-2
Ca+2
O-2
Cu+2
H3O+1
Li+1
Li+1
NO3-1
Ti+4
O-2
Na+1
Fe+3
CO3-2
Na+1
I-1