What are examples of common ionic compounds?

Common ionic compounds include sodium chloride (NaCl), magnesium oxide (MgO), calcium chloride (CaCl2), and potassium iodide (KI).

Ionic compounds are formed when a metal reacts with a non-metal. They are held together by the strong electrostatic forces of attraction between the positive and negative ions. This type of bond is called an ionic bond. Sodium chloride, also known as table salt, is a classic example of an ionic compound. It is formed when sodium (Na), a metal, reacts with chlorine (Cl), a non-metal. The sodium atom loses an electron to become a positively charged ion, while the chlorine atom gains an electron to become a negatively charged ion. The resulting compound, NaCl, is neutral because the charges of the ions balance each other out.

Magnesium oxide (MgO) is another common ionic compound. It is formed when magnesium (Mg) reacts with oxygen (O). In this reaction, the magnesium atom loses two electrons to become a positively charged ion, while the oxygen atom gains two electrons to become a negatively charged ion. The resulting compound, MgO, is also neutral because the charges of the ions balance each other out.

Calcium chloride (CaCl2) is an ionic compound that is often used as a de-icing agent. It is formed when calcium (Ca) reacts with chlorine (Cl). The calcium atom loses two electrons to become a positively charged ion, while each chlorine atom gains one electron to become a negatively charged ion. The resulting compound, CaCl2, is neutral because the charges of the ions balance each other out.

Potassium iodide (KI) is an ionic compound that is often used in medicine and as a nutritional supplement. It is formed when potassium (K) reacts with iodine (I). The potassium atom loses one electron to become a positively charged ion, while the iodine atom gains one electron to become a negatively charged ion. The resulting compound, KI, is neutral because the charges of the ions balance each other out.