STUDENT SPACE · TOPIC 2
Ionic bonding and lattices
Explain electron transfer and the attraction between oppositely charged ions.
The essentials
- Ionic bonds are strong electrostatic attractions between oppositely charged ions.
- Electron transfer forms the ions. The attraction between those ions is the bond.
- An ionic solid has a giant lattice of alternating positive and negative ions. Its formula gives a ratio, not a separate molecule.
Key vocabulary
| English | Chinese |
|---|---|
| ionic bond | 离子键 |
| lattice | 晶格 |
| electrostatic attraction | 静电吸引 |
Quick practice
Why is “one sodium chloride molecule” unsuitable for solid sodium chloride?
Need a hint?
Think about the repeating structure, rather than a pair of ions.
Check your reasoning after trying
Sodium chloride forms a giant ionic lattice, not separate molecules.
Use the matching chapter worksheet. Attempt independently, compare your reasoning with your partner, then bring unresolved questions to your teacher.