Explore how ionic bonds form
Click the valence electron on the metal to transfer it to the non-metal. Then sort the ions into positive (cation) and negative (anion).
Sodium (Na) – metal
Click the outer electron to transfer it.
Chlorine (Cl) – non-metal
Receives electron to complete its shell.
Cation (Positive)
Anion (Negative)
What is ionic bonding?
Ionic bonds form when a metal atom transfers one or more electrons to a non-metal atom. The metal becomes a positively charged cation (it has lost electrons), while the non-metal becomes a negatively charged anion (it has gained electrons). The opposite charges attract, creating a strong electrostatic bond.
Dot & Cross Ionic Diagrams
Complete the electron transfer to reveal ionic dot-and-cross diagrams with bracket notation and charge superscripts.
Giant Ionic Lattice: Sodium Chloride
In solid sodium chloride, ions arrange in a giant 3D lattice. Each Na+ is surrounded by six Cl− and vice versa (octahedral coordination) in all three dimensions. Below, a 2D slice illustrates the alternating pattern and neighbor interactions, while an isometric view gives a cube‑like impression of the full crystal. Hover over an ion in the 2D slice to highlight its nearest neighbors.
Isometric Lattice (3D impression)
This repeating pattern creates a rigid, high melting structure.
Practice Questions
Test your understanding of ionic bonding. Select the best answer; feedback and explanations appear instantly. Works one question at a time for small screens.