1(f) Ionic bonding
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry · 4CH1
Paper 2 | Whole paper: All content including bold C statements
Electron transfer, the lattice it builds, and the properties that follow from strong electrostatic attraction.
Specification coverage
Topic 1 Principles of chemistry (f) Ionic bonding — statements 1.49–1.54C (includes bold C statements assessed on Paper 2 only)
Assessment objectives: AO1, AO2. Suggested learning time: 55 minutes.
Required knowledge
- The formation of ions by electron loss or gain
- Dot-and-cross diagrams for simple ionic compounds
- The structure of an ionic lattice
- The properties of ionic compounds: high melting point, conduction when molten or in solution but not when solid
- Bold C statements: explaining properties in terms of lattice structure in greater depth
Required skills
- Draw dot-and-cross diagrams showing charges correctly
- Explain a property by reference to the strength of electrostatic attraction and the mobility of ions
How it is examined
- Multiple-choice and short-answer recall
- Application of the content to an unfamiliar context
- Extended open-response, marked on the quality of a connected explanation
Common mistakes
- Saying ionic compounds conduct because 'electrons move'. In ionic conduction it is the IONS that move, and only when they are free to.
- Omitting the charge from an ion in a dot-and-cross diagram.
- Explaining a high melting point as 'strong bonds' without naming electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.