Introduction to Ionic Bonding

Part 1 - PhET Ion Simulation

Please go to the PhET Build an Atom simulation.

To create an ion from an atom, we want the outer shell of electrons to be full. If the outer shell is less than half full, the atom will form an ion by losing electrons. If the outer shell is more than half full, the atom will form an ion by gaining electrons.

  1. Create a neutral, stable lithium atom. Next, create a stable lithium ion. What is the charge?
  2. Create a neutral, stable beryllium atom. Next, create a stable beryllium ion. What is the charge?
  3. Create a neutral, stable oxygen atom. Next, create a stable oxygen ion. What is the charge?
  4. Create a neutral, stable fluorine atom. Next, create a stable fluorine ion. What is the charge?
  5. Create a neutral, stable neon atom. Next, create a stable neon ion. What is the charge?
  6. Look at the pattern of the charges of the ions. How could you determine the charge of these atoms' ions by looking at the periodic table?
  7. Create a neutral, stable hydrogen atom. Next, create a stable hydrogen ion. What is the charge?
  8. There is something very special about how hydrogen forms ions. What is it?
  9. When we say a charge of an ion is +1, +2, or -1, what are the units?

Part 2 - Research Questions

Using the Internet, find answers to the following questions:

  1. Define the following terms:
    1. Atom:
    2. Element:
    3. Diatomic element:
    4. Molecule:
  2. What are the 7 diatomic elements?
  3. In Science 8, BC students study solids, liquids, gases, and maybe even plasmas and Bose-Einstein Condensates. The Kinetic Molecular Theory (KMT) describes how matter passes between these states. Why is it called the Kinetic Molecular Theory, and not the Kinetic Atomic Theory, or the Kinetic Compound Theory?
  4. Why is there a dark, diagonal, squiggly line on the right-hand side of the periodic table?
  5. An ionic bond is created by what type of attraction between 1 or more positive ions (called cations) and 1 or more negative ions (called anions)?


Part 3 - Ionic Bonding Simulation

Go to the Ionic and Covalent Bonding simulation and make a variety of molecules with ionic bonds.

  1. How do you choose which atoms to use to create the ionic compound?
  2. How do you figure out how many of each atom are needed to create the compound?
  3. How do you find the chemical formula for simple ionic compounds?
  4. How do you find the name of simple ionic compounds?