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 compounds you have created. Your data will be recorded in a data table.
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
cation models? (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
anion models?

If you were to make a neutral atom following the model, what would the shape be?

Group the ion models by charges.


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 is the final charge of all the compounds?
Ionic Bonding Puzzle Pre-Lab Questions
1. Metals ___________ electrons and become positive ions or ______________ (cations, lose).
2. Non-metals __________ electrons and become negative ions or _____________ (gain,
anions).
3. Cations and anions are __________________ to each other because of their
_______________ ____________________. (attracted, charges, opposite)
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. (cation, anion).
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. (-ide, 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
Cation
symbol
Anion
symbol
Chemical
Formula
Compound Name
Drawing of your puzzle
pieces
OH-1
H3O+1
Mg+2
Y+3
OH-1
K+1
Cl-1
K+1
P-3
Mg+2
Cl-1
Fe+3
Br-1
(Also use
for I-1)
K+1
P-3
Ag+1
Ca+2
Br-1
Ag+1
Br-1
Fe+2
Li+1
Sr+2
PO4-3
Ca+2
O-2
(Also use
for CO3-2)
Cu+2
Also use
for Ca+2)
H3O+1
Li+1
Li+1
S-2
NO3-1
Ti+4
O-2
Na+1
Na+1
Fe+3
CO3-2
(Also use
for O-2)
I-1