C E Murray High

CHEMISTRY INORGANIC

Worksheet #1: Introduction to Ionic Bonds
The forces that hold matter together are called chemical bonds. There are four major types of
bonds. We need to learn in detail about these bonds and how they influence the properties of matter. The
four major types of bonds are:
I. Ionic Bonds III. Metallic Bonds
II. Covalent Bonds IV. Intermolecular (van der
Waals) forces
Ionic Bonds
The ionic bond is formed by the attraction between oppositely charged ions. Ionic bonds
are formed between metals and nonmetals. Remember that metal atoms lose one or more valence
electrons in order to achieve a stable electron arrangement. When a metal atom loses electrons it forms a
positive ion or cation. When nonmetals react they gain one or more electrons to reach a stable electron
arrangement. When a nonmetal atom gains one or more electrons it forms a negative ion or anion. The
metal cations donate electrons to the nonmetal anions so they stick together in an ionic compound. This
means that ionic bonds are formed by the complete transfer of one or more electrons.
A structure with its particles arranged in a regular repeating pattern is called a crystal. Because
opposite charges attract and like charges repel, the