Name: __[KEY]____________________________ Date: __________________ Period: _____

[KEY] WS Ionic Bonding Activity [KEY]

Introduction

When atoms bond together to form ionic compounds, they will not combine with just any other atom. For
example, two atoms that will never form an ionic bond are a sodium atom (Na) and a potassium atom (K). This
is because both Na1+ and K1+ are cations, or positively-charged ions. In order for two atoms to form an ionic
bond, one must be a cation (+ charge) and the other must be an anion (- charge). Remember, opposite
charges attract each other and similar charges repel each other. Opposite charges can bond to each other,
and similar charges cannot.

In this activity, you will get some practice in learning how atoms form ionic bonds. Follow the example complete
for you in #1 to complete the activity.

Activity

1. potassium and oxygen

Type of Ion cation anion Chemical Formula

2
Symbol of Ion K+ O
K2O
How Many of Ion 2 1

2. sodium and sulfur

Type of Ion cation anion Chemical Formula

2
Symbol of Ion Na+ S
Na2S
How Many of Ion 2 1

3. tin(II) and nitrogen

Type of Ion cation anion Chemical Formula

3
Symbol of Ion Sn2+ N
Sn3N2
How Many of Ion 3 2

4. aluminum and hydroxide

Type of Ion cation anion Chemical Formula

Symbol of Ion Al3+ OH
Al(OH)3
How Many of Ion 1 3

1
5. lead(IV) and carbonate

Type of Ion cation anion Chemical Formula

2
Symbol of Ion Pb4+ CO3
Pb(CO3)2
How Many of Ion 1 2

6. copper(II) and chlorate

Type of Ion cation anion Chemical Formula

Symbol of Ion Cu2+ ClO3
Cu(ClO3)2
How Many of Ion 2 1

7. ammonium and nitrate

Type of Ion cation anion Chemical Formula

Symbol of Ion NH4+ NO3
NH4NO3
How Many of Ion 1 1

8. calcium and permanganate

Type of Ion cation anion Chemical Formula

Symbol of Ion Ca2+ MnO4
Ca(MnO4)2
How Many of Ion 1 2

9. ammonium and phosphate

Type of Ion cation anion Chemical Formula

3
Symbol of Ion NH4+ PO4
(NH4)3PO4
How Many of Ion 3 1

10. zinc and bicarbonate

Type of Ion cation anion Chemical Formula

Symbol of Ion Zn2+ HCO3
Zn(HCO3)2
How Many of Ion 1 2

2
11 and 12. Make two compounds of iron and sulfate. [iron ions can typically be iron(II) or iron(III)]

Type of Ion cation anion Chemical Formula

2
Symbol of Ion Fe2+ SO4
FeSO4
How Many of Ion 1 1

Type of Ion cation anion Chemical Formula

2
Symbol of Ion Fe3+ SO4
Fe2(SO4)3
How Many of Ion 2 3

13 and 14. Make two compounds of lead and nitrate. [lead ions can typically be lead(II) or lead(IV)]

Type of Ion cation anion Chemical Formula

Symbol of Ion Pb2+ NO3
Pb(NO3)2
How Many of Ion 1 2

Type of Ion cation anion Chemical Formula

Symbol of Ion Pb4+ NO3
Pb(NO3)4
How Many of Ion 1 4

15 and 16. Make two compounds of copper and hydroxide. [copper ions can typically be copper(I) or copper(II)]

Type of Ion cation anion Chemical Formula

Symbol of Ion Cu OH
CuOH
How Many of Ion 1 1

Type of Ion cation anion Chemical Formula

Symbol of Ion Cu2+ OH
Cu(OH)2
How Many of Ion 1 2

3
Questions

1. What was the overall net charge on each of the ionic compounds that you wrote?

zero

2. Consider your answers to 1-16 and the Periodic Table.

a. Do nonmetals form anions or cations?

anions (with negative charges by gaining electrons)

b. Do metals form anions or cations?

cations (with positive charges by losing electrons)

3. What elements (metals, metalloids, or nonmetals) combine to form ionic bonds by doing what with electrons?

___metals___ combine with __nonmetals__ by _transferring_ electrons to form ionic bonds.

4. List 4 properties of ionic compounds:

_high melting point

_hard, crystalline solids

_brittle

_good conductors when melted or dissolved

5. Write the chemical formula that results when the following elements combine to form an ionic bond.

a. silver and selenium

Ag+ Se2 Ag2Se

b. barium and phosphorus

Ba2+ P3 Ba3P2

BONUS: Write the chemical formula of the substance that forms when the following ions combine.

hydrogen ion and hydroxide ion

H+ OH

HOH

H2 O