3-2 Ions and Ionic Bonds

IGCSE Cambridge (CIE) Chemistry 3 hours 18 questions
Theory Questions
Ions & Ionic Bonds

Ions & Ionic Bonds / Ionic Bonds & Lattice Structure / Properties of Ionic
Compounds
Easy (6 questions) /49 Scan here to return to the course

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Medium (7 questions) /59
Hard (5 questions) /60
Total Marks /168
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Easy Questions
1 (a) Extended Only
The diagrams below show the electron arrangement in two compounds.
In a water molecule, each hydrogen atom is bonded to the oxygen atom by sharing a pair
of electrons.
Why does an oxygen atom share two pairs of electrons rather than just one pair?
(1 mark)
(b) Describe how a potassium atom becomes a potassium ion.
(1 mark)
(c) Why is there a bond between the ions in potassium chloride?
(1 mark)
(d) Extended Only

Solid potassium chloride is a poor conductor of electricity. When dissolved in water it is a
good conductor. Explain
(2 marks)
2 (a) The following is a list of the electron distributions of atoms of unknown elements.
element electron distribution
A 2,5
B 2,8,4
C 2,8,8,2
D 2,8,18,8
E 2,8,18,8,1
F 2,8,18,18,7
Choose an element from the list for each of the following descriptions.
i) It is a noble gas.
ii) It is a soft metal with a low density.
iii) It can form a covalent compound with element A.
iv) It has a giant covalent structure similar to diamond.
v) It can form a negative ion of the type X3-.
(5 marks)
(b) Elements C and F can form an ionic compound.
i) Draw a diagram that shows the formula of this compound, the charges on the ions and
the arrangement of the valency electrons around the negative ion. Use x to represent an
electron from an atom of C. Use o to represent an electron from an atom of F.
[3]
ii) Predict two properties of this compound.
[2]
(5 marks)
3 (a) Magnesium reacts with bromine to form magnesium bromide.
Magnesium bromide is an ionic compound. Draw a diagram that shows the formula of
the compound, the charges on the ions and the arrangement of outer electrons around
the negative ion. The electron distribution of a bromine atom is 2, 8, 18, 7. Use x to
represent an electron from a magnesium atom. Use o to represent an electron from a
bromine atom.
(3 marks)
(b) Extended Only

In the lattice of magnesium bromide, the ratio of magnesium ions to bromide ions is 1:2.
i) Explain the term lattice.
.[2]
ii) Explain why the ratio of ions is 1:2.
[1]
iii) The reaction between magnesium and bromine is redox. Complete the sentences.
Magnesium is the .................................... agent because it has ....................................

electrons.
Bromine has been ..................................... because it has .................................... electrons.
[4]
(7 marks)
4 (a) Extended Only
The structure of a typical ionic compound is a regular arrangement of positive and
negative ions.
i) What is the name of this regular arrangement of particles?
[1]
ii) Give two physical properties of ionic compounds.
[2]
(3 marks)
(b) Extended Only
Ions are formed by electron loss or gain. The electron distribution of a magnesium atom
is 2 + 8 + 2 and of a nitrogen atom is 2 + 5.
i) Give the formula of the magnesium ion.
[1]
ii) Give the formula of the nitride ion.
[1]
iii) What is the formula of the ionic compound, magnesium nitride?
[1]
iv) In this compound there is an ionic bond. Why are the two ions attracted to each
other?
[1]
(4 marks)
5 (a) The table below gives the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in atoms or ions.
Complete the table. The first line is given as an example.
You will need to use the Periodic Table.
particle number of number of number of symbol or

protons electrons neutrons formula
A 4 4 5 9
4
Be
B 19 18 20
C 30 30 35
D 8 10 8
E 31 31 39
(6 marks)
(b) Using the data in the table, explain how you can determine whether a particle is an
atom, a negative ion or a positive ion.
(3 marks)
6 (a) A list of symbols and formulae is shown.
CH4
Cl –
CO2
Cr3+
Cu2+
Fe2+
H2
K+
N2
O2
SO2
Which symbol or formula represents an ion formed when an atom gains an electron?
(1 mark)
(b) The diagram shows part of the structures of caesium chloride and carbon dioxide.
Describe both caesium chloride and carbon dioxide in terms of:
bonding
arrangement of particles.
(5 marks)
(c) The diagrams show part of the structures of five substances, A, B, C, D and E.
State which one of these structures, A, B, C, D or E is an ionic compound.
(1 mark)
(d) 22
11
Na , 23
11
Na and 24
11
Na are isotopes of sodium. Why do sodium ions have a charge of +1?
(1 mark)
Medium Questions
1 (a) Extended Only
Potassium iodide is an ionic compound.
i) Describe what happens, in terms of electron loss and gain, when a potassium atom
reacts with an iodine atom.
[2]
ii) Describe the structure of solid potassium iodide. You may draw a diagram.
[2]
iii) Explain why potassium iodide has a high melting point.
[2]
(6 marks)
(b) Separate: Chemistry and Extended Only
Potassium iodide and lead nitrate are both soluble. Lead iodide is insoluble.
i) Describe how a pure dry sample of lead iodide could be made from solid potassium
iodide and solid lead nitrate.
[4]
ii) Write an ionic equation for the formation of lead iodide, PbI2, when potassium iodide
and lead nitrate react with each other. State symbols are not required.
[2]
(6 marks)
(c) Separate: Chemistry and Extended Only
When chlorine gas is bubbled through an aqueous solution of potassium iodide, a redox
reaction takes place.
2I– + Cl2 → I2 + 2Cl–
i) State the colour change expected in this reaction.
start colour .............
end colour ...............
[2]
ii) Identify the reducing agent in this reaction. Explain your answer.
[2]
(4 marks)
2 (a) Extended Only
Iron pyrite, FeS2, is known as Fool’s Gold because it is a shiny yellow solid which is similar
in appearance to gold. Iron pyrite is an ionic compound. Gold is a metallic element.
Iron pyrite, FeS2, contains positive and negative ions. The positive ion is Fe2+.
Deduce the formula of the negative ion.
(1 mark)
(b) A student is provided with a sample of iron pyrite and a sample of gold. Suggest how the
student could distinguish between the two substances.
(2 marks)
(c) Extended Only

Sulfur dioxide is produced on a large scale by heating iron pyrite strongly in air. The iron
pyrite reacts with oxygen in the air producing iron(III) oxide, Fe2O3, and sulfur dioxide.
Construct a chemical equation for the reaction between iron pyrite and oxygen.
(2 marks)
3 (a) Nitrogen can form ionic compounds with reactive metals and covalent compounds with
non-metals.
Nitrogen reacts with lithium to form the ionic compound lithium nitride, Li3N.
i) Write the equation for the reaction between lithium and nitrogen.
[2]
ii) Lithium nitride is an ionic compound. Draw a diagram which shows its formula, the
charges on the ions and the arrangement of the valency electrons around the negative
ion. Use x for an electron from a lithium atom. Use o for an electron from a nitrogen
atom.
[2]
(4 marks)
(b) Nitrogen fluoride is a covalent compound.
i) Draw a diagram showing the arrangement of the valency electrons in one molecule of
the covalent compound nitrogen trifluoride, NF3. Use x for an electron from a nitrogen
atom. Use o for an electron from a fluorine atom.
[2]
ii) Lithium nitride has a high melting point, 813 °C. Nitrogen trifluoride has a low melting
point, –207 °C. Explain why the melting points are different.
[2]
(4 marks)
4 (a) The Group I metals show trends in both their physical and chemical properties.
i) How do their melting points vary down the Group?
[1]
ii) Which element in the Group has the highest density?
[1]
iii) All Group I metals react with cold water. Complete the following equation.
........Rb + ........H2O → ................ + ................
[2]
(4 marks)
(b) Extended Only
Lithium reacts with nitrogen to form the ionic compound, lithium nitride.
i) State the formula of the lithium ion.
[1]
ii) Deduce the formula of the nitride ion.
[1]
iii) In all solid ionic compounds, the ions are held together in a lattice. Explain the term
lattice.
[1]
iv) What is the ratio of lithium ions to nitride ions in the lattice of lithium nitride? Give a
reason for your answer.
[2]
(5 marks)
5 (a) Table 1.1 shows the properties of four substances.
Table 1.1
substance boiling electrical electrical conductivity density in g

point conductivity of when molten / cm3
solid
aluminium high conducts conducts 2.70
diamond 3.51
potassium high does not conduct conducts 2.75

bromide
sulfur low does not conduct
State the meaning of the term ionic bonding.
(2 marks)
(b) Identify which information in Table 1.1 shows that potassium bromide is an ionic
compound.
(2 marks)
(c) Magnesium, calcium and strontium are Group II elements
Magnesium reacts with chlorine to form magnesium chloride, MgCl2.
Magnesium chloride is an ionic compound.
Complete the dot-and-cross diagram in Figure 1.1 of the ions in magnesium chloride.
Show the charges on the ions.
Figure 1.1
(3 marks)
(d) One physical property typical of ionic compounds, such as MgCl2, is that they are soluble
in water.
Give two other physical properties that are typical of ionic compounds.
(2 marks)
6 (a) Fluorine forms both ionic and covalent compounds. Magnesium reacts with fluorine to
form the ionic compound magnesium fluoride. The electronic structures of an atom of
magnesium and an atom of fluorine are shown.
Complete the dot-and-cross diagrams to show the electronic structures of one

magnesium ion and one fluoride ion.
(3 marks)
(b) Extended Only
Magnesium fluoride does not conduct electricity when it is solid.
What can be done to solid magnesium fluoride to make it conduct electricity?
In your answer explain why magnesium fluoride conducts electricity when this change is
made.
(2 marks)
(c) Extended Only

The melting points of magnesium fluoride and carbonyl fluoride are shown.
melting point / °C
magnesium fluoride 1263
carbonyl fluoride −111
Explain, using your knowledge of structure and bonding, why magnesium fluoride has a
high melting point.
(2 marks)
7 (a) Magnesium exists as three isotopes, 24 Mg , 25 Mg and 26 Mg .
12 12 12
Magnesium reacts with oxygen to form the ionic compound magnesium oxide.
Complete the dot-and-cross diagrams to show the electronic structures of the ions in
magnesium oxide.
(3 marks)
(b) Extended Only

Magnesium oxide melts at 2853 °C.
Why does magnesium oxide have a high melting point?
(1 mark)
(c) Extended Only

Explain why molten magnesium oxide can conduct electricity.
(1 mark)
Hard Questions
1 (a) The first three elements in Period 6 of the Periodic Table of the Elements are caesium,
barium and lanthanum.
How many more protons, electrons and neutrons are there in one atom of lanthanum
than in one atom of caesium. Use your copy of the Periodic Table of the Elements to help
you.
Number of protons =
Number of electrons =
Number of neutrons =
(3 marks)
(b) Extended Only

All three metals can be obtained by the electrolysis of a molten halide. The electrolysis of
the aqueous halides does not produce the metal.
i) Complete the equation for the reduction of lanthanum ions at the negative electrode
(cathode).
La3+ + ................ → ................
[1]
ii) Name the three products formed by the electrolysis of aqueous caesium bromide.
[3]
(4 marks)
(c) All three metals react with cold water. Complete the word equation for these reactions.
metal + water → ................................. + .............................
(2 marks)
(d) Barium chloride is an ionic compound.
Draw a diagram that shows the formula of the compound, the charges on the ions and
gives the arrangement of the valency electrons around the negative ion.
The electron distribution of a barium atom is 2.8.18.18.8.2 Use x to represent an electron

from a barium atom. Use o to represent an electron from a chlorine atom.
(2 marks)
(e) Extended Only

Describe, by means of a simple diagram, the lattice structure of an ionic compound, such
as caesium chloride.
(2 marks)
(f) Extended Only
The reactions of these metals with oxygen are exothermic.
2Ba (s) + O2 (g) → 2BaO (s)
i) Give an example of bond forming in this reaction.
[1]
ii) Explain using the idea of bond breaking and forming why this reaction is exothermic.
[3]
(4 marks)
2 (a) Calcium reacts with nitrogen to form the ionic compound calcium nitride, Ca3N2.
Draw a diagram, based on the correct formula, which shows the charges on the ions and
the arrangement of the electrons around the negative ion.
Use o to represent an electron from a calcium atom. Use x to represent an electron from
a nitrogen atom.
(3 marks)
(b) Extended Only

In the lattice of calcium nitride, the ratio of calcium ions to nitride ions is 3 : 2.
i) What is meant by the term lattice?
[2]
ii) In terms of ionic charges, explain why the ratio of ions is 3 : 2.
[2]
(4 marks)
(c) Extended Only

The reaction between calcium and nitrogen to form calcium nitride is a redox reaction. In
terms of electron transfer, explain why calcium is the reducing agent.
(3 marks)
3 (a) Extended Only
The diagram shows the lattice of a typical ionic compound.
i) Explain the term ionic lattice.
[2]
ii) In this lattice, the ratio of positive ions to negative ions is 1:1. In the lattice of a
different ionic compound, the ratio of positive ions to negative ions is 1:2. Suggest why
this ratio varies in different ionic compounds.
[1]
iii) Give three physical properties of ionic compounds.
[3]
(6 marks)
(b) Extended Only
Strontium oxide is an ionic compound.
Draw a diagram which shows its formula, the charges on the ions and the arrangement
of the valency electrons around the negative ion.
The electron distribution of a strontium atom is 2 + 8 + 18 + 8 + 2. Use o to represent an

electron from a strontium atom. Use x to represent an electron from an oxygen atom.
(3 marks)
4 (a) Extended Only
The structure of an element or compound determines its physical properties. Scandium
fluoride and silicon(IV) oxide have giant structures.
Scandium fluoride is an ionic compound.
i) The valency of scandium is three. Draw a diagram which shows the formula of the
compound, the charges on the ions and the arrangement of the valency electrons
around the negative ion.
Use x to represent an electron from a scandium atom. Use o to represent an electron

from a fluorine atom.
[3]
ii) The melting point of scandium fluoride is 1552 °C. Explain why scandium fluoride has a
high melting point.
[1]
(4 marks)
(b) Separate: Chemistry and Extended Only
Silicon(IV) oxide has a macromolecular structure.
i) Describe the structure of silicon(IV) oxide. You may use a diagram.
[3]
ii) How does the electrical conductivity of these two compounds differ?
[1]
iii) Explain the difference in conductivity.
[2]
(6 marks)
5 (a) Extended Only
Both strontium and sulfur have chlorides of the type XCl2. The table below compares
some of their properties.
strontium chloride sulfur chloride
appearance white crystals red liquid
formula SrCl2 SCl2
melting point / oC 874 -120
boiling point / oC 1250 59
conductivity of good poor

liquid
solubility in water dissolves to form a neutral reacts to form a solution of

solution pH 1
i) Use the data in the table to explain why sulfur chloride is a liquid at room temperature,
25 °C.
[2]
ii) Strontium is a metal and sulfur is a non-metal. Explain why both have chlorides of the
type XCl2. The electron distribution of a strontium atom is 2 + 8 + 18 + 8 + 2.
[2]
iii) Explain the difference in the electrical conductivity of liquid strontium chloride and
liquid sulfur chloride.
[3]
(7 marks)
(b) Strontium chloride-6-water can be made from the insoluble compound, strontium
carbonate, by the following reactions.
SrCO3 (s) + 2HCl (aq) → SrCl2 (aq) + CO2 (g) + H2O (l)
SrCl2 (aq) + 6H2O (l) → SrCl2.6H2O (s)
The following method was used to prepare the crystals.
1. Add excess strontium carbonate to hot hydrochloric acid.
2. Filter the resulting mixture.
3. Partially evaporate the filtrate and allow to cool.
4. Filter off the crystals of SrCl2.6H2O.
5. Dry the crystals between filter papers.
i) How would you know when excess strontium carbonate had been added in step 1?
[1]
ii) Why is it necessary to filter the mixture in step 2?
[1]
iii) In step 3, why partially evaporate the filtrate rather than evaporate to dryness?
[1]
(3 marks)
(c) Separate: Chemistry and Extended Only
In the above experiment, 50.0 cm3 of hydrochloric acid of concentration 2.0 mol / dm3
was used. 6.4 g of SrCl2.6H2O was made.
Calculate the percentage yield.
number of moles of HCl used = ............................
number of moles of SrCl2.6H2O which could be formed = ............................
mass of one mole of SrCl2.6H2O is 267 g
theoretical yield of SrCl2.6H2O = ............................g
percentage yield = ............................%
(4 marks)

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IGCSE Cambridge (CIE) Chemistry 3 hours 18 questions

Ions & Ionic Bonds

Easy (6 questions) /49 Scan here to return to the course

Hard (5 questions) /60

Total Marks /168

(b) Describe how a potassium atom becomes a potassium ion.

(c) Why is there a bond between the ions in potassium chloride?

(d) Extended Only

element electron distribution

ii) It is a soft metal with a low density.

iii) It can form a covalent compound with element A.

iv) It has a giant covalent structure similar to diamond.

v) It can form a negative ion of the type X3-.

(b) Elements C and F can form an ionic compound.

ii) Predict two properties of this compound.

(b) Extended Only

i) Explain the term lattice.

ii) Explain why the ratio of ions is 1:2.

Magnesium is the .................................... agent because it has ....................................

Bromine has been ..................................... because it has .................................... electrons.

i) What is the name of this regular arrangement of particles?

ii) Give two physical properties of ionic compounds.

i) Give the formula of the magnesium ion.

ii) Give the formula of the nitride ion.

iii) What is the formula of the ionic compound, magnesium nitride?

Complete the table. The first line is given as an example.

You will need to use the Periodic Table.

particle number of number of number of symbol or

Describe both caesium chloride and carbon dioxide in terms of:

State which one of these structures, A, B, C, D or E is an ionic compound.

iii) Explain why potassium iodide has a high melting point.

2I– + Cl2 → I2 + 2Cl–

i) State the colour change expected in this reaction.

start colour .............

end colour ...............

Deduce the formula of the negative ion.

(c) Extended Only

(b) Nitrogen fluoride is a covalent compound.

i) How do their melting points vary down the Group?

ii) Which element in the Group has the highest density?

........Rb + ........H2O → ................ + ................

i) State the formula of the lithium ion.

ii) Deduce the formula of the nitride ion.

substance boiling electrical electrical conductivity density in g

aluminium high conducts conducts 2.70

potassium high does not conduct conducts 2.75

sulfur low does not conduct

State the meaning of the term ionic bonding.

(c) Magnesium, calcium and strontium are Group II elements

Magnesium reacts with chlorine to form magnesium chloride, MgCl2.

Magnesium chloride is an ionic compound.

Show the charges on the ions.

Complete the dot-and-cross diagrams to show the electronic structures of one

Show the charges on the ions.

What can be done to solid magnesium fluoride to make it conduct electricity?

(c) Extended Only

magnesium fluoride 1263

carbonyl fluoride −111

Show the charges on the ions.