Let’s go step by step through each problem. We’re dealing with ionic bonding — that means one atom gives up electrons (donor) and another takes them (acceptor), so both end up with full outer electron rings (like noble gases).
We’ll use the Bohr model diagrams shown: inner ring holds 2 electrons, next ring holds 8, etc.
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Problem 2: Sodium + Chlorine
- Sodium (Na) has atomic number 11 → electron configuration: 2, 8,
1 → it has 1 valence electron.
- Chlorine (Cl) has atomic number 17 → electron configuration: 2, 8,
7 → needs 1 more to complete its outer ring.
→ Sodium will give its 1 electron to chlorine.
After transfer:
- Na becomes Na⁺ (now 2,8 — stable)
- Cl becomes Cl⁻ (now 2,8,8 — stable)
Chemical formula: NaCl
Electron donor: Sodium
Electron acceptor: Chlorine
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Problem 3: Lithium + Chlorine
- Lithium (Li) has atomic number 3 → electron config: 2,
1 → 1 valence electron.
- Chlorine (Cl): 2,8,7 → needs 1 electron.
→ Lithium gives 1 electron to chlorine.
After transfer:
- Li becomes Li⁺ (now 2 — stable like helium)
- Cl becomes Cl⁻ (2,8,8 — stable)
Chemical formula: LiCl
Electron donor: Lithium
Electron acceptor: Chlorine
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Problem 4: Sodium + Fluorine
- Sodium (Na): 2,8,1 → 1 valence electron
- Fluorine (F): atomic number 9 → 2,7 → needs 1 electron
→ Sodium gives 1 electron to fluorine.
After transfer:
- Na⁺ (2,8)
- F⁻ (2,8)
Chemical formula: NaF
Electron donor: Sodium
Electron acceptor: Fluorine
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Problem 5: Lithium + Fluorine
- Lithium (Li): 2,1 → 1 valence electron
- Fluorine (F): 2,7 → needs 1 electron
→ Lithium gives 1 electron to fluorine.
After transfer:
- Li⁺ (2)
- F⁻ (2,8)
Chemical formula: LiF
Electron donor: Lithium
Electron acceptor: Fluorine
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Now let’s answer Question 1:
Why do atoms form ionic bonds?
Atoms want to have a full outer electron ring (usually 8 electrons, or 2 for small atoms like lithium). This makes them stable, like noble gases. If an atom can get a full ring by giving away or taking electrons from another atom, they’ll do it — and that’s ionic bonding. The giver becomes positive, the taker becomes negative, and they stick together because opposites attract!
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Final Answer:
1) Atoms form ionic bonds to get a full outer electron ring, which makes them stable. One atom gives electrons (becomes positive), the other takes them (becomes negative), and they attract each other.
2)
Chemical formula? NaCl
Electron donor? Sodium
Electron acceptor? Chlorine
3)
Chemical formula? LiCl
Electron donor? Lithium
Electron acceptor? Chlorine
4)
Chemical formula? NaF
Electron donor? Sodium
Electron acceptor? Fluorine
5)
Chemical formula? LiF
Electron donor? Lithium
Electron acceptor? Fluorine
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of ionic bonding practice worksheet.
