ionikytkentä

Ionikytkentä, also known as ionic bonding, is a type of chemical bond that involves the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. This attraction forms when atoms transfer valence electrons from one atom to another. Typically, metals, which have low ionization energies and tend to lose electrons, form cations (positively charged ions). Nonmetals, with high electron affinities, tend to gain electrons to form anions (negatively charged ions).

The formation of an ionic bond results in a stable crystalline lattice structure where the ions are arranged in a regular, repeating pattern. This arrangement maximizes the attractions between oppositely charged ions and minimizes the repulsions between ions of the same charge. The strength of the ionic bond is determined by factors such as the magnitude of the charges on the ions and the distance between them, as described by Coulomb's law.

Compounds formed by ionic bonding, known as ionic compounds, generally possess distinct physical properties. They are typically solids at room temperature, have high melting and boiling points, and are brittle. In the solid state, ionic compounds are poor conductors of electricity because the ions are held in fixed positions. However, when melted or dissolved in a polar solvent like water, the ions become mobile and can conduct electricity. This phenomenon is utilized in electrochemistry and various industrial processes. Examples of common ionic compounds include sodium chloride (table salt), potassium chloride, and magnesium oxide.