Ionic Bonding — Drills · Grade 11 Science
Chapter: Bonding, Formulas & Molecular StructureWhat these drills covers
By the end of Ionic Bonding you should be able to:
- I can explain how atoms transfer electrons to form cations and anions, and predict a monatomic ion's charge from its group.
- I can write formulas and names for simple ionic compounds by balancing positive and negative charges.
6 questions, multiple choice, numeric and written answer, each with a worked explanation.
Vocabulary used: ionic bond, ion, cation, anion, octet rule, crystal lattice, formula unit, polyatomic ion.
Problem 1
- extra protons
- lost electrons and is positive
- gained electrons and is negative
- no charge at all
Answer and explanation
gained electrons and is negative
Gaining electrons gives an atom extra negative charge, making it a negative anion.
Problem 2
- two metals
- two noble gases
- two nonmetals
- a metal and a nonmetal
Answer and explanation
a metal and a nonmetal
A metal gives up electrons and a nonmetal takes them, forming ions that attract each other.
Problem 3
Answer and explanation
2
Two Na⁺ (+2 total) are needed to balance one O²⁻ (−2), giving Na₂O.
Problem 4
- Strong electrostatic attractions hold the ions throughout the lattice
- They are gases at room temperature
- They share electrons very loosely
- Weak forces hold the molecules together
Answer and explanation
Strong electrostatic attractions hold the ions throughout the lattice
Every ion is held to its neighbors by strong electrostatic forces across the whole lattice, so a lot of energy is needed to melt it.
Problem 5
Answer and explanation
Lithium has 1 valence electron and fluorine has 7. Lithium transfers its electron to fluorine, so lithium becomes Li⁺ and fluorine becomes F⁻. Both now have full outer shells, and the opposite charges attract to form LiF.
Problem 6
Answer and explanation
3
Two Fe³⁺ give +6 and three O²⁻ give −6, so the formula is Fe₂O₃ with 3 oxide ions.