Ionic Bonds

An ionic bond is formed by the electrostatic attraction between two oppositely charged ions—one positive (the cation) and one negative (the anion). The cation is usually a metal, like the sodium ion (Na⁺), and the anion is usually a nonmetal, like the chloride ion (Cl^-). When joined together by an ionic bond, their opposite charges cancel, forming an electrically neutral compound (table salt, NaCl, is a familiar example).

In this video, we consider:

• which ions atoms are likely to form, to have noble gas electron configuration
• how to write the formation of ionic bonds using Lewis dot diagrams
• how ionic compounds behave in water (and the formation of solvation shells)

Ionic bonds are considered strong intramolecular forces. In a separate video, we compare the relative strengths of Ionic Bonds vs Covalent Bonds.

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Video: Ionic Bonds

Handout: Video Notes Worksheet

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