Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: emilio on 14/11/2010 12:30:03

Title: Why do ionic compounds form?
Post by: emilio on 14/11/2010 12:30:03

emilio asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Can you explain why ionic compounds are formed when a metal from the left side of the periodic table reacts with a non metal from right of the periodic table?

What do you think?

Title: Why do ionic compounds form?
Post by: bobj14 on 09/01/2011 20:39:16

The metal donates electrons to the non metal to gain a full outer shell of electrons. It is the electrostatic forces between the oppositely charged ions that is the ionic bond.

Eg.

Mg must lose 2 electrons to get a full outer shell. O must gain 2 electrons to get a full outer shell.
So they form MgO.