Topic 3 - Ionic bonding and metallic crystals

IONIC BONDS

• Argon does not readily form an ion. 
• Oppositely charged ions (one positive, one negative) have a strong attraction for one another.  An ionic bond is the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. 
• Ionic crystals form giant three-dimensional arrays of ions. 
• When an atom loses electrons and forms a positive ion, the net positive charge pulls the structure inwards strongly and the ion is smaller than a negatively charged ion of similar atomi mass. 
• You can use 'dot and cross' diagrams for ionic compounds.
• Ionic compounds conduct electricity when their ions are able to move. This is not possible in the crystal, but becomes possible when the crystal melts. 

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