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Ionic bonding

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Theresa knott (talk | contribs) at 23:37, 13 April 2003 (Adding a simple diagram of electron transfer. page still needs more work). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

File:Ionicbond.JPG

Ionic bonding is the process of two or more atoms losing or gaining electrons to become charged ions. The charged ions are then attracted to each other: 


 Na+ +  Cl- ->  [Na]+ + [Cl]-

This type of bonding occurs between metals and non-metals. This only occurs if the overall energy change for the reaction is favourable. The larger the difference in electronegativity then the stronger the bond.


Impression of two ions (for example [Na]+ and [Cl]-) forming an ionic bond. Electron orbitals generally do not overlap (ie. molecular orbitals are not formed), because each of the ions reached the lowest energy state, and the bond is based only (ideally) on the electrostatic interactions between positive and negative ions.

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