AQA · GCSE · Combined Science
Course version: 8464 · Version from Sept 2018
An ionic compound is a giant structure of ions. Ionic compounds are held…
Full specification wording
Ionic compounds: An ionic compound is a giant structure of ions. Ionic compounds are held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions. These forces act in all directions in the lattice and this is called ionic bonding.
Ionic bonding occurs when a metal atom transfers electrons to a non-metal atom, forming positive and negative ions.
Checked against the AQA 8464 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 6
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Ionic bonding occurs when a metal atom transfers electrons to a non-metal atom, forming positive and negative ions. These oppositely charged ions pack into a regular three-dimensional giant lattice, not separate molecules. The attraction between a positive ion and a negative ion is electrostatic, and because each ion is surrounded by ions of the opposite charge, the forces act in all directions throughout the lattice. For example, in sodium chloride each Na⁺ ion is attracted to six Cl⁻ ions and each Cl⁻ ion to six Na⁺ ions. This arrangement is called ionic bonding. The many strong attractions explain why ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points and are usually soluble in water.
What earns the marks
- Ionic compounds form giant structures, meaning the lattice extends in three dimensions rather than consisting of small discrete molecules.
- Ions are held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions.
- The forces act in all directions in the lattice, so each ion is attracted to all nearby ions of opposite charge.
- The term ionic bonding describes this overall electrostatic attraction within the giant ionic lattice.
- A correct example, such as sodium chloride, shows Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions arranged in a regular repeating pattern.
- The strength and number of these attractions explain the high melting and boiling points of ionic compounds.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Describing ionic compounds as simple molecules.
Put it right by stating that they form a giant lattice of ions.
Saying the forces act only between one pair of ions.
Put it right by explaining that each ion is attracted to all oppositely charged ions around it, in all directions.
Confusing ionic bonding with covalent bonding or with intermolecular forces.
Put it right by linking ionic bonding specifically to electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions in a lattice.
Exam tips
- Use the phrase 'giant ionic lattice' and state that the forces act in all directions to secure the structure mark.
- When explaining a property such as a high melting point, link it to the many strong electrostatic forces throughout the lattice, not just one bond.
- Draw or describe a two-dimensional slice of the lattice with alternating positive and negative ions to show the repeating pattern clearly.
Try the lesson
The start of the Ionic compounds: An ionic compound is a giant structure of ions. Ionic compounds are held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions. These forces act in all directions in the lattice and this is called ionic bonding. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which statement describes the structure of an ionic compound such as sodium chloride?
Listen
Ionic bonding occurs when a metal atom transfers electrons to a non-metal atom, forming positive and negative ions. These oppositely charged ions pack into a regular three-dimensional giant lattice, not separate molecules. The attraction between a positive ion and a negative ion is electrostatic, and because each ion is surrounded by ions of the opposite charge, the forces act in all directions throughout the lattice. For example, in sodium chloride each Na⁺ ion is attracted to six Cl⁻ ions and each Cl⁻ ion to six Na⁺ ions. This arrangement is called ionic bonding. The many strong attractions explain why ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points and are usually soluble in water. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Ionic compounds form giant structures, meaning the lattice extends in three dimensions rather than consisting of small discrete molecules. Ions are held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions. The forces act in all directions in the lattice, so each ion is attracted to all nearby ions of opposite charge. The term ionic bonding describes this overall electrostatic attraction within the giant ionic lattice. A common slip: Describing ionic compounds as simple molecules. Instead, stating that they form a giant lattice of ions. Exam tip: Use the phrase 'giant ionic lattice' and state that the forces act in all directions to secure the structure mark.
See it
Put it in order
Put these steps in the order they happen.
- 1. High melting and boiling points
- 2. Many strong attractions
- 3. Strong electrostatic forces of attraction
- 4. This is called ionic bonding
- 5. Ionic compound: giant structure of ions
- 6. Oppositely charged ions
- 7. Forces act in all directions in the lattice
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Ionic compound
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Electrostatic forces of attraction
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Ionic bonding
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Ionic compound
- A giant structure of ions held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions.
- Electrostatic forces of attraction
- Strong forces that hold oppositely charged ions together in an ionic compound.
- Ionic bonding
- The strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions acting in all directions in the lattice.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
There is more to this lesson
The full lesson goes on to check your understanding and help you earn the marks. Create a free account to carry on, with your progress saved.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge
Test your understanding of Ionic compounds: An ionic compound is a giant structure of ions. Ionic compounds are held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions. These forces act in all directions in the lattice and this is called ionic bonding.
Active recall beats re-reading. Take an instant quiz now to test what you’ve learned and lock it into long-term memory.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge