Two Main Types of Bonds

• Ionic bonds
• Covalent bonds

Ionic Bond Formation

Ionic bonds occur between two atoms, where one atom loses electron(s) to form a cation and the other atom gains electron(s) to form an anion.

Cation Formation

• Example: Na → Na⁺ (1s² 2s² 2p⁶)
• Example: Mg → Mg²⁺ (1s² 2s² 2p⁶)

Anion Formation

• Example: O + 2e⁻ → O²⁻ (1s² 2s² 2p⁶)
• Example: F + e⁻ → F⁻ (1s² 2s² 2p⁶)

Ionic Bond Characteristics

Ionic bonds are characterized by a strong electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions, resulting in compounds that are electrically neutral overall.

Ionic Compound Formation

• Example: Na + Cl → NaCl (Sodium Chloride)
• Example: Mg + F₂ → MgF₂ (Magnesium Fluoride)

Key Concepts

• Metal atoms form cations, non-metal atoms form anions.
• Electrons lost by metals in groups IA, IIA, IIIA equal the group number.
• The final compound formula is based on the simplest ratio of cations to anions.

Representation Methods

• Electron dot structures
• Electron cross structures
• Chemical equations