Ionic Bonding
Ionic bonds form when metals transfer electrons to non-metals.
About this topic
Ionic bonding is the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions, typically formed when a metal transfers electrons to a non-metal. Sodium gives an electron to chlorine, forming Na+ and Cl− ions that attract strongly to form a crystal lattice of sodium chloride.
The metal loses electrons to reach a noble gas arrangement while the non-metal gains them. The driving force is the large release of energy when ions pack into a lattice, called lattice energy, which is bigger when ions have higher charges and smaller radii. That is why magnesium oxide, with 2+ and 2- ions, melts at about 2800 degrees Celsius while sodium chloride melts at 801. The formula shows the simplest ratio of ions that makes the compound neutral overall, such as MgCl2 for one Mg2+ and two Cl-.
Dot-and-cross diagrams show the transfer, with square brackets and charges around each ion. Ionic compounds make up table salt, limestone, baking soda and many minerals, and are used as fertilisers and in electrolytes in your body.
Misconception: a single NaCl molecule exists; instead there is a huge repeating lattice. Also, ionic bonds are not between atoms of equal charge; the attraction is between positive and negative ions throughout the structure.
Key ideas
- Produces cations and anions
- Held by electrostatic attraction
- Forms crystal lattices
Quick check
Use cases: where Ionic Bonding helps
- Homework: review the key idea behind Ionic Bonding before you start a problem set.
- Exam revision: use the quick check to test whether you can recall Ionic Bonding without notes.
- Visual learning: play with the interactive lab to see how Ionic Bonding changes when you adjust its inputs.
- Teaching a friend: explain Ionic Bonding in your own words, then compare your version with the key ideas.
Chemistry explains medicine, food, cleaning products, fuels and building materials.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ionic Bonding?
Ionic bonds form when metals transfer electrons to non-metals.
What will I learn in Ionic Bonding?
Produces cations and anions. Held by electrostatic attraction. Forms crystal lattices.
Is Ionic Bonding part of Chemistry?
Yes. It is one of 150 Chemistry topics on LearnViz HighSchoolEdu, with 3 key ideas, a live animation and a quick check.
Does the Ionic Bonding lab work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The animation resizes to fit your screen and supports touch, so you can drag, tap and slide with your finger.
How should I study Ionic Bonding?
Read the summary and key ideas first, play with the interactive lab to see the idea in motion, then answer the quick check. If you get a question wrong, go back to the key idea it tests.
Do I need an account, and is my progress saved?
No account is needed. Marking a topic as learned is saved in your own browser, so it stays on that device and is not sent to a server.