Combining ions to make ionic compounds

AI Thread Summary
To combine two different ions into an ionic compound, one must balance their charges. In the example of sodium (Na+¹) and oxygen (O-²), sodium has a +1 charge and oxygen has a -2 charge, leading to the formula Na2O, which indicates two sodium ions are needed to balance one oxygen ion. Ionic compounds consist of a positively charged cation, which readily loses electrons, and a negatively charged anion, which attracts electrons. Understanding the distinction between ionic and covalent bonds is crucial for grasping these concepts. This foundational knowledge is essential for successfully creating ionic compounds.
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Homework Statement



How do i combine 2 different ions to make an ionic compound


Homework Equations



Na+¹ + O-² --->


The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea what to do plus I am new to this forum. Please try to help me in the simplest way possible because my teacher has failed twice to explain it to me. If their is a formula or something, please tell me it.
 
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Does one mean stoichiometrically, or structurally as in a crystal lattice.

In the example, Na prefers +1 valence state, while O prefers -2, so the compound in that case would be Na2O. For ionic compounds the positively charge cation is usually electropositive, and tends to give up electrons readily to the negatively charged anion, which is electronegative, i.e. has an affinity for electrons.

Also, see discussions about ionic compounds.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ionic_compound
http://chemed.chem.purdue.edu/genchem/topicreview/bp/ch7/sizeframe.html
http://www.shodor.org/UNChem/basic/nomen/index.html

One has to understand the difference between ionic and covalent bonds

http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/compounds/ionicvscovalent.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ionic_bond
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covalent_bond

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/chemical/bond.html
 
How did you figure out Na2O from Na+¹ + O-²?
 

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