BRAINCAKEIonic Bonding
Ionic bonding happens when one atom transfers one or more electrons to another atom. This usually occurs between a metal and a non-metal. The metal atom loses electrons and becomes a positively charged ion (a cation); the non-metal atom gains electrons and becomes a negatively charged ion (an anion).
An ionic bond is the strong electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. In a solid such as sodium chloride, millions of Na+ and Cl− ions are held in a regular giant lattice.
Na → Na+ + e− Cl + e− → Cl−
Sign in free to see the rest of this lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz
BrainCake is free. Make an account in seconds and pick up where this page stops.
More in Chemistry for Life
- Covalent Bonding
- Important Anions
- Important Cations
- Water
- Water as a Polar Solvent
- Water as a Transport Medium
- Water as a Habitat
- Water in Plant Transport Systems
All 10 lessons in Chemistry for Life · All Edexcel AS-level Biology topics