Chapter 07 – Ionic Compounds and Metals
7.1 Ion Formation
Practice Problems
For each of the following atoms, write the electron configuration, referring to the periodic table. Then write the
formula of the ion the atom is most likely to form and identify that ion as a cation or an anion. Finally, write the
electron configuration of the ion.
1. bromine (Br), element 35
2.gallium (Ga), element 31
3. sulfur (S), element 16
4. rubidium (Rb), element 37
7.2 Ionic Bonds and Ionic Compounds
Practice Problems
Write the most likely ions for the atoms in each pair, referring to the periodic table as necessary. Then
determine the ratio of the atoms in the ionic compound formed in each case.
5. aluminum (Al) and fluorine (F)
6. lithium (Li) and oxygen (O)
7. beryllium (Be) and selenium (Se)
8. gallium (Ga) and sulfur (S)
 Properties of ionic compounds and lattice energy
Practice Problems
9. On the basis of the properties of the following “unknowns,” classify each as either ionic or not ionic.
a. conducts electricity when solid
b. conducts electricity when liquid and has a low melting point
c. has a high boiling point and shatters when hammered
d. has a high melting point and conducts electricity when dissolved in water
10. For each of the following pairs of ionic compounds, state which would be expected to have the higher (more
negative) lattice energy.
a. LiF or KBr
b. NaCl or MgS
c. MgO or RbI
7.3 Names and Formulas for Ionic Compounds
Practice Problems
Write the correct formula for the ionic compound formed between atoms of each of the following pairs of
elements.
11. sodium (Na) and sulfur (S)
12. magnesium (Mg) and nitrogen (N)
13. potassium (K) and phosphorus (P)
14. barium (Ba) and fluorine (F)
15. aluminum (Al) and nitrogen (N)
Practice Problems
Write the correct formula for the ionic compounds that contain the following ions. Refer to a table of polyatomic
ions as necessary.
16. sodium and phosphate
17. ammonium and carbonate
18. aluminum and chromate
19. calcium and hydroxide
 Naming ionic compounds
Practice Problems
Name the ionic compounds that have the following formulas.
20. NH4I
21. NaBrO3
22. Mg(NO3)2
23. KHSO4
24. NH4ClO4
25. Al(ClO)3
26. FeF2
7.4 Metallic Bonds and Properties of Metals
Practice Problems
27. An unknown substance is found to be a good conductor of electricity when melted. Explain whether on this basis
alone the substance can be classified as a metal.
28. Suppose the substance in question 27 is allowed to solidify. It is then hammered, and shatters as a result. What
property is being tested? Would you classify this material as a metal? Explain your answer.
29. A certain sample of an element is known to be either nickel, sulfur, or iodine. The sample is found to be a good
conductor of electricity as a solid. Which element is it likely to be? Why? What other properties would you expect
the sample to have?
30. Carbon steel is made by filling the holes in an iron crystal with atoms of carbon. As what type of material is such a
mixture classified?
31. Brass is a mixture in which some of the atoms in a crystal of copper are replaced by zinc atoms, which are of similar
size. As what type of material is such a mixture classified?
Chapter 7 Review
32. Define the term chemical bond. Account for such bonding in terms of the concept of noble gas configuration.
33. Explain the difference between a cation and an anion in terms of electron transfer. Give an example of each type of
ion.
34. Define the term ionic bond. Explain how atoms of potassium (group 1) and iodine (group 17) bond ionically with one
another.
35. Describe the arrangement of ions in ionic compounds and the properties typical of ionic compounds.
36. Explain how to determine the formula for an ionic compound, given its name.
37. State the rules for naming oxyanions, including those of the halogens.
38. Describe the model for metallic bonding and explain how the model accounts for typical metallic properties.
39. Compare and contrast substitutional and interstitial alloys.