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Dot and cross diagrams for ionic compounds

  • 3 things to know
  • Unit AS 1

Overview

Dot and cross diagram of magnesium oxide and dot and cross diagram of calcium fluoride.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What is the purpose of using dots for one atom's electrons and crosses for the other's?

Key term

In a dot and cross diagram of sodium chloride, how is the chloride ion shown?

Key term

Why are square brackets and a charge always written around an ion in these diagrams?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is the purpose of using dots for one atom's electrons and crosses for the other's?

    Model answer

    Using two symbols makes clear which atom each electron came from, so the transfer of electrons can be traced.

  2. 2

    In a dot and cross diagram of sodium chloride, how is the sodium ion shown?

    Model answer

    The sodium ion is shown as an empty outer shell in square brackets with a single positive charge outside, because its one outer electron has been transferred.

  3. 3

    In a dot and cross diagram of sodium chloride, how is the chloride ion shown?

    Model answer

    The chloride ion is shown with eight electrons in its outer shell, seven of its own plus the one received from sodium, in square brackets with a single negative charge.

  4. 4

    Why are square brackets and a charge always written around an ion in these diagrams?

    Model answer

    The brackets show that the whole species carries the charge shown, rather than one particular electron or atom within it.

  5. 5

    Describe the dot and cross diagram of magnesium oxide.

    Model answer

    Magnesium is shown with an empty outer shell and a 2+ charge, and oxygen is shown with eight outer electrons, six of its own and the two received, carrying a 2− charge.

  6. 6

    How many chloride ions are shown in a dot and cross diagram of magnesium chloride?

    Model answer

    Two chloride ions are shown, each having gained one electron from the single magnesium atom.

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