- The image displays Lewis structures for three ionic compounds: sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium nitrate (NaNO₃), and calcium chloride (CaCl₂).
- In NaCl, a sodium atom loses one electron to form a Na⁺ cation, and a chlorine atom gains that electron to form a Cl⁻ anion. The Lewis structure shows Na⁺ next to the Cl⁻ ion enclosed in brackets with its eight valence electrons and a negative charge.
- In NaNO₃, sodium forms Na⁺, and the nitrate polyatomic ion (NO₃⁻) is shown with nitrogen bonded to three oxygen atoms. One N=O double bond and two N–O single bonds are depicted, with formal charges indicating the overall -1 charge on the ion.
- In CaCl₂, calcium loses two electrons to form Ca²⁺, and each of two chlorine atoms gains one electron to form two Cl⁻ ions. The Lewis structure shows Ca²⁺ between two Cl⁻ ions, each with eight valence electrons and a negative charge.
- These structures illustrate how ionic compounds form through electron transfer, resulting in oppositely charged ions held together by electrostatic forces.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of bonding worksheet 5 lewis structures.
