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Cambridge International AS Level Chemistry

Ionic Bonding

Ionic compounds form when electrons are transferred and oppositely charged ions attract each other in a giant ionic lattice.

These pages cover electronegativity, ionic bonding and giant ionic lattices, metallic bonding, and covalent bonding with sigma and pi bonds, dative bonds and giant covalent structures.

They then cover the shapes and bond angles of molecules, polar molecules, and intermolecular forces with hydrogen bonding and the anomalous properties of water.

Exam Papers
Papers 1 & 2
9701/1 and 9701/2 (AS Level)
Learning Outcomes
3.2.1 – 3.2.2
2 points covered
Sub-topics
3 lessons
Revision notes available
Exam Board
Cambridge
CIE 9701 (2025-2027)

Revision Notes

3 revision notes, in the order the specification teaches them.

Summary Map

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Summary map

Download, print and revise the key facts of this topic at a glance.

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Summary map · PDF

Ionic Bonding Map

Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry · Topic 3 Chemical bonding · Ionic bonding

The whole section on one A4 page: forming ions and dot-and-cross diagrams, the giant lattice, and melting points, solubility and conductivity.

Download the map6 key ideas + a data table · A4 portrait · print ready

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Specification

Every specification point in this topic, in the exam board's own words. Rate how confident you are with each one.

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Self-assessment · 7 points

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3.2.1

  1. 3.2.1

    define ionic bonding as the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions (positively charged cations and negatively charged anions)

    Revise

3.2.2

  1. a

    describe ionic bonding including the example of sodium chloride

    Revise
  2. b

    describe ionic bonding including the example of magnesium oxide

    Revise
  3. c

    describe ionic bonding including the example of calcium fluoride

    Revise

4.2.2

  1. a

    describe, interpret and predict the effect of different types of structure and bonding on the melting point of substances

    Revise
  2. c

    describe, interpret and predict the effect of different types of structure and bonding on the electrical conductivity of substances

    Revise
  3. d

    describe, interpret and predict the effect of different types of structure and bonding on the solubility of substances

    Revise