Ionic Bonding
An ion is an electrically charged atom or group of atoms formed by the loss or gain of electrons
An atom will lose or gain electrons to become more stable
The loss or gain of electrons takes place to gain a full outer shell of electrons which is a more stable arrangement of electrons
The electronic configuration of an ion will be the same as that of a noble gas – such as helium, neon and argon
Formation of positively charged sodium ion
Ionization of metals and non-metals
Metals: all metals can lose electrons to other atoms to become positively charged ions, known as cations
Non-metals: all non-metals can gain electrons from other atoms to become negatively charged ions, known as anions
Ionic Bond
Ionic compounds are formed when metal atoms react with non-metal atoms
Metal atoms lose their outer electrons which the non-metal atoms gain to form positive and negative ions
The positive and negative ions are held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction between opposite charges
This force of attraction is known as an ionic bond and they hold ionic compounds together