Ionic Bonds & Lattice Structure (CIE IGCSE Chemistry: Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award))

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The lattice structure of ionic compounds

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Lattice structure

  • Ionic compounds have a giant lattice structure
  • Lattice structure refers to the arrangement of the atoms of a substance in 3D space
  • In lattice structures, the atoms are arranged in an ordered and repeating fashion
  • The lattices formed by ionic compounds consist of a regular arrangement of alternating positive and negative ions

A diagram to show the structure of the NaCl lattice

 The lattice structure of NaCl

Ionic bonds between metallic & non-metallic elements

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Ionic compounds

  • Ionic compounds are formed when metal atoms and non-metal atoms react
  • The ionic compound has no overall charge

Example; magnesium Oxide, MgO

  • Magnesium is a Group II metal so will lose two outer electrons to another atom to have a full outer shell of electrons
  • A positive ion with the charge 2+ is formed
  • Oxygen is a Group VI non-metal so will need to gain two electrons to have a full outer shell of electrons
  • Two electrons will be transferred from the outer shell of the magnesium atom to the outer shell of the oxygen atom
  • Oxygen atom will gain two electrons to form a negative ion with charge 2-
  • Magnesium oxide has no overall charge
    •  MgO

Magnesium Oxide dot & cross diagram, IGCSE & GCSE Chemistry revision notesDiagram showing the dot-and-cross diagram of magnesium oxide

Examiner Tip

When drawing dot and cross diagrams, you only need to show the outer shell of electrons. Remember to draw square brackets and include a charge for each ion. Make sure the overall charge is 0; you may need to include more than one positive or negative ion to ensure the positive and negative charges cancel each other out.

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Caroline

Author: Caroline

Expertise: Physics Lead

Caroline graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Chemistry and Molecular Physics. She spent several years working as an Industrial Chemist in the automotive industry before retraining to teach. Caroline has over 12 years of experience teaching GCSE and A-level chemistry and physics. She is passionate about creating high-quality resources to help students achieve their full potential.