What is ionic bonding?

Positive and negative ions attract one another and bind together forming a new substance. This is called ionic bonding. It is usually between a positive metal ion which is going to donate ions to a negative ion which will receive those donated electrons. In doing so, it creates a bond between the two ions. This can be easily shown via a dot and cross diagram. Due to its unique bonding ionic compounds posses special properties. They have a high melting point due to the strength of the ionic bonds. Ionic compounds can also conduct electricity but only as a liquid as the ions are free to carry the charge.

HU
Answered by Hassan U. Chemistry tutor

6488 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do you know if a molecule has ionic or covalent bonding?


Why do different metals burn with different colors?


What is the difference between ionic and covalent bonding


describe advantages and disadvantages of using hydrogen instead of fossil fuels


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning