Question 1Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge
Calcium reacts with bromine to form an ionic compound.
Which row is correct?
| electrons lost by each metal atom | non-metal atoms needed per metal atom | |
|---|---|---|
| A | 6 | 2 |
| B | 1 | 2 |
| C | 2 | 2 |
| D | 2 | 3 |
Show answer
Answer: C
Free Ions & ionic bonding questions for IGCSE Chemistry (0620), part of Atoms, elements & compounds. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.
Generate a full Ions & Ionic Bonding worksheet →All Atoms, elements & compounds questionsCalcium reacts with bromine to form an ionic compound.
Which row is correct?
| electrons lost by each metal atom | non-metal atoms needed per metal atom | |
|---|---|---|
| A | 6 | 2 |
| B | 1 | 2 |
| C | 2 | 2 |
| D | 2 | 3 |
Answer: C
Which row describes the electrical conductivity of sodium chloride?
| solid | molten | dissolved in water | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | conducts | conducts | conducts |
| B | does not conduct | conducts | conducts |
| C | does not conduct | conducts | does not conduct |
| D | does not conduct | does not conduct | conducts |
Answer: B
Which compound conducts electricity when molten but not when solid?
Answer: A
Ionic compounds are often soluble in water.
State two physical properties of ionic compounds.
Write the formulae of the ions in calcium chloride and in potassium oxide.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | high melting point; conduct when molten/dissolved high melting and boiling points B1 conduct electricity when molten or in solution (often soluble in water) B1 | 2 |
| (b) | Ca²⁺, Cl⁻; K⁺, O²⁻ calcium chloride: Ca²⁺ and Cl⁻ B1 potassium oxide: K⁺ and O²⁻ B1 | 2 |
Sodium reacts with chlorine to form sodium chloride, an ionic compound.
Describe, in terms of electrons, what happens when sodium chloride forms.
Describe the structure of solid sodium chloride.
Explain why sodium chloride has a high melting point.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | Na loses 1 electron to Cl each sodium atom loses one electron B1 each chlorine atom gains one electron B1 forming Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions B1 | 3 |
| (b) | giant lattice of alternating ions giant ionic lattice B1 regular arrangement of alternating positive and negative ions B1 | 2 |
| (c) | strong electrostatic attraction strong electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions B1 a lot of energy is needed to overcome them B1 | 2 |
Ionic compounds conduct electricity only under certain conditions.
Explain why solid magnesium oxide does not conduct electricity but molten magnesium oxide does.
Write the formula of the ionic compound formed between aluminium and oxygen.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | ions free to move when molten in the solid the ions are held in fixed positions B1 when molten the ions are free to move B1 moving ions carry the charge B1 | 3 |
| (b) | Al₂O₃ Al₂O₃ B1 | 1 |
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