Question

How do you make an ionic compound?

Answer 1

Ionic compounds contain both positively charged ions and negatively charged ions and hence they are known as neutral compounds. They are crystalline solids that are formed by the opposite charge. The structure of ionic compounds depends upon the sizes of cations and anions.

Complete step-by-step answer: Firstly, let us discuss about the physical properties of ionic compound-
Ionic compounds are solid compounds that are held together by strong force of attraction between cations and anions.
Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling point because of the presence of electrostatic forces between the ions.
Ionic compounds conduct electricity at molten state but do not conduct electricity at solid state. Because in solid state, the movement of ions is not possible whereas in a molten state, ions flow from one point to another.
Ionic compounds are formed due to the transfer of valence electrons between the atoms. The metal loses electrons to form a cation which is positively charged and a nonmetal gains those electrons to form an anion which is negatively charged. This results in the formation of an ionic compound which held together by an electrostatic force of attraction between the cations and anions.
For example- sodium chloride is an ionic compound in which sodium has one electron in its outermost shell and chlorine has seven electrons in its outermost shell. To become stable, the sodium has to lose one electron and chlorine has to gain one electron. When transfer of electrons takes place it results in the formation of an ionic bond, sodium forms a cation and chlorine forms an anion. One atom of sodium combines with one atom of chlorine to form sodium chloride.

Note: In this question we have concluded that an ionic compound is formed when one atom loses its electron to obtain noble gas configuration while the other atom needs an electron to complete its noble gas configuration. A chemical bond is formed due to the transfer of electrons and hence ionic compounds are formed.