Simple Description

A compound made from ions involving one or more electrons being transferred between atoms

Further Detail

For example, in sodium chloride an electron is "given" from the outermost electron shell in sodium to the outermost electron shell in chlorine. This turns the sodium atom into a sodium ion (positive charge) and the chlorine atom into a chloride ion (negative charge). The two ions are attracted to each other due to their opposite charges - an ionic bond. Ionically-bonded substances are usually solids at room temperature due to the strong forces of attraction between molecules.

Related Words:

• Covalent
• Bond
• Ion

« Previous Word Next Word »

---