Forming ions for ionic bonding
I can use electron configuration diagrams (and notation) to explain how positive and negative ions are formed for ionic bonding.
Forming ions for ionic bonding
I can use electron configuration diagrams (and notation) to explain how positive and negative ions are formed for ionic bonding.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Atoms are more stable when they have a full outer shell.
- Metal atoms become more stable when they lose the electron(s) in their outer shell, and become positive ions (cations).
- Non–metal atoms become more stable when they gain electrons to fill their outer shell and become negative ions (anions).
- Ions form through the loss or gain of electrons.
- Standard ion notation uses superscript charge values where the charge follows the number (e.g. 2+, not +2).
Keywords
Ion - An atom or molecule that has lost or gained one or more electrons so has a charge.
Cation - A positively charged ion.
Anion - A negatively charged ion.
Dot–and–cross diagram - Used to show how chemical bonds are formed between atoms – the electrons from one atom are shown as dots and the electrons from the other atom are shown as crosses.
Common misconception
Ions are not formed because atoms 'want' or 'need' a full outer electron shell. Pupils often find standard notation difficult and get confused about when to use superscript and subscript.
It is important that pupils understand that atoms do not have 'wants' or 'needs'. Emphasise that the driving force for the formation of atoms is an increase in stability when the outer electron shell is full.
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: Forming ions for ionic bonding, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: Forming ions for ionic bonding, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Structure and bonding unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
1+
0
1–
Exit quiz
6 Questions
An atom or molecule that has gained or lost electrons so has a charge.
A positively charged ion.
A negatively charged ion.