Ionic bond
Leaving Cert Chemistry · Behaviour of Matter
Higher Level
The electrostatic force of attraction between oppositely charged ions that are formed when electrons are transferred from a metal atom to a non-metal atom. Ionic substances build up giant lattices, which gives them high melting points and lets them conduct when molten or dissolved.
Ordinary Level
The attraction between a positive ion and a negative ion. The ions form when electrons move from a metal atom to a non-metal atom.
Chemistry practice is part of Pro. Reading the definitions here is always free.
More Behaviour of Matter terms
Get the free study guide
H1 Owl is now on the App Store: download it for iPhone. Sign up here and get The Leaving Cert Maths Game Plan, our free PDF study guide, straight away, plus occasional study tips.
Occasional emails, no spam. Under 16? Ask a parent to sign up for you.
Where next
All Chemistry terms
The whole Leaving Cert Chemistry glossary, grouped by strand and labelled by level.
Browse ChemistryQuestion of the day
One real Higher Level Maths question, new every day, with the explanation.
Answer today'sThe app
1,700+ original questions across Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Maths is free.
See the app