Combining ions to make ionic compounds

[jleposky]

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.

 

[Astronuc]

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

 

[jleposky]

How did you figure out Na2O from Na+¹ + O-²?