Quick answer: Ionic bonding is the strong electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions, formed when metal atoms transfer electrons to non-metal atoms. This Chemistry 9-10 test on ionic bonding has 8 questions worth 20 marks, to do in 45 minutes: magnesium oxide, crystal diagram and conduction. The mark scheme is on a separate page; free printable PDF.
This chemistry grades 9-10 test on ionic bonding test works like a real class test. The mark scheme is on a separate page, so revise with the lesson first.
This test covers ion formation, formulae, the structure of ionic lattices and the properties of ionic compounds. Show how you balance charges, give electron arrangements where asked, and write explanations in complete sentences.
Level: Chemistry grades 9-10 (GCSE · IGCSE · O Level · Class 9-10) · Curriculum: HS-PS1-3, GCSE C2
Ionic bonding test: the test questions
Question 1 Magnesium oxide (3 marks)
Magnesium (2,8,2) reacts with oxygen (2,6).- Describe the transfer of electrons. (1 mark)
- State the charge on each ion formed. (1 mark)
- Give the formula of the compound. (1 mark)
Question 2 Crystal diagram (3 marks)
The diagram shows part of an ionic crystal.- Give the ratio of X ions to Y ions. (1 mark)
- Write the formula of the compound. (1 mark)
- Deduce the charge on the X ions. (1 mark)
Question 3 Conduction (3 marks)
Explain why sodium chloride conducts electricity when molten but not when solid. (3 marks)Question 4 Aluminium oxide (2 marks)
Aluminium forms Al³⁺ ions and oxygen forms O²⁻ ions. Work out the formula of aluminium oxide and show your working. (2 marks)Question 5 Melting points compared (3 marks)
Sodium chloride melts at 801 °C and magnesium oxide melts at 2852 °C. Explain the difference. (3 marks)Question 6 Counting ions (2 marks)
A crystal of sodium oxide, Na₂O, contains 6.0 × 10²⁰ sodium ions. Calculate the number of oxide ions. (2 marks)Question 7 Brittle crystal (2 marks)
Explain why ionic crystals are brittle. (2 marks)Question 8 Ion arrangements (2 marks)
Calcium has atomic number 20 and bromine has atomic number 35. State the electron arrangement of a calcium ion Ca²⁺ and the number of electrons in a bromide ion Br⁻. (2 marks)
