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

2862 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

In the flowing equitation 2H2+O2→2H2O how many grams of oxygen are needed to make 9g of water?


Crude oil is a fossil fuel - what is a fossil fuel and how is crude oil separated into its fractions?


Describe what you would see when a piece of potassium is placed on water. Why does this happen?


How do metals conduct electricity?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning