Ionic Bonding and Charge Balance Worksheet

Question 1

Which formula represents a neutral compound formed from Mg²⁺ and Cl⁻?

1. MgCl
2. Mg₂Cl
3. MgCl₂
4. Mg₂Cl₃

Question 2

Use Al³⁺ and O²⁻ to write the formula for aluminum oxide. Show the total positive and negative charges for that ratio.

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Question 3

What holds Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions together in a sodium chloride crystal?

1. Attraction between oppositely charged ions
2. Attraction between ions of the same charge
3. Sharing a pair of electrons between every ion pair
4. Attraction between neutral sodium and chlorine atoms

Question 4

A neutral calcium atom forms Ca²⁺. Describe the electron change and explain why the resulting ion is positive.

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Question 5

Which formula belongs on the calcium chloride label?

1. Ca₂Cl
2. CaCl
3. CaCl₂
4. Ca₂Cl₃

Question 6

Compare the number of chloride ions per metal ion in sodium chloride and calcium chloride. Explain the difference using the ion charges.

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Question 7

A model of potassium chloride contains 12 K⁺ ions. How many Cl⁻ ions are needed for a neutral model? Show the charge balance.

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Question 8

A drawing contains 4 Na⁺ ions and 4 Cl⁻ ions. Which formula reports the smallest whole-number ratio?

1. NaCl
2. Na₂Cl₂
3. Na₄Cl₄
4. NaCl₄