How does an ionic bond work?

Question

How does an ionic bond work?

Answer 1

For the purpose of the explanation and assuming that your working to GCSE level (or the american equivalent) i'll explain in simple terms. Atoms that are charged are ions. The atoms are trying to complete a shell of electrons (electron shells start with 0 then have 2 in the first shell, 2, then after that each shell has 8, then after the 8 electrons in this shell a new shell of 8 will need to be completed etc). In order for an atom to complete a shell of electrons it can donate/receive electrons with another atom, once it has receive or donated electrons it becomes an ion. Generally, in ionic bonds a non-mental atom bonds with a metal atom to become ions. The metal atoms form positive ions (as they have lost negativity from the loss of electrons). Metal atoms are tr yin to loose their electrons as they only have one, two or three electrons in the outer shell so it is far easier for them to give away the electrons in their outer shell than it is to gain seven, six or five electrons. Whereas the opposite goes for the non-metal atoms forming negative ions. For example, sodium (Na) has one electron in its outer shell, so it wants to loose that electron as underneath it's outer shell of electrons it has a full shell. Also, chlorine (Cl) has 7 electrons in it's outer shell so it wants to gain an electron. The sodium atom gives it's unwanted electron to a chlorine atom. These are now ions as they have a different number of electrons as the atoms, hence they are positively/ negatively charged.

Answer 2

Ionic bonds are simple: they are essentially spherical positive and negative units electrostatically attracted to one another. How these spheres are formed is another matter.