Ionic bonding holds oppositely charged ions together in giant structures. The giant structure of ionic compounds is very regular because the ions are packed neatly together.
Strong electrostatic forces of attraction act in all directions. Each ion in the giant structure or lattice is surrounded by ions with the opposite charge and so is held firmly in place.
Sodium chloride contains equal numbers of sodium ions and chloride ions as shown by its formula NaCl. The sodium ions and chloride ions alternate to form a cubic lattice.
The ratio of ions in the structure of an ionic compound depends on the charges on the ions. For example, calcium ions are Ca²⁺, and chloride ions are Cl⁻, so calcium chloride contains twice as many chloride ions as calcium ions, and its formula is CaCl2.
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