What is Ionic bonding?

Ionic bonding is bonding between a metal and a non-metal. This happens due to a transferal of electrons. For example a metal from group 2 such as Magnesium bonding to a non-metal from group 6 such as oxygen. Magnesium will give its 2 outer electrons to oxygen. In doing this Magnesium now has a full outer shell with a charge of +2 since it lost 2 electrons and oxygen has a full outer shell with the charge -2 since it gained 2 electrons.It has a giant ionic lattice with strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions. This means it requires a lot of energy to break the bonds. The buzzword phrase would be - Electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions.

BB
Answered by Bobby B. Chemistry tutor

2281 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain the difference, in shape and bond angle, between a CO2 molecule and an SO2 molecule?


propene and steam react to form propan-2-ol. If the yield is 75% what mass of propene is required to produce 410g of propane-2-ol. [molar masses/gmol-1 propene=42, propan-2-ol =60]


Explain why pure metals can be bent and shaped, whereas alloys cannot?


What are the similarities and differences between atoms of the isotopes Cl-35 and Cl-37


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning