A complete revision and exam practice pack for SC5a Ionic Bonds, covering the full Pearson Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (9–1) Separate Science specification (C0.1, C1.21–C1.24).

Topic Mastery Sheet (PDF) - a comprehensive student reference that builds ionic bonding understanding from first principles. The sheet opens by explaining why ions form - atoms react to achieve the stable full-outer-shell configuration of the nearest noble gas, and the easiest way to do this depends on the atom: metals lose electrons to form positive cations, non-metals gain electrons to form negative anions. A clear group-by-group table shows which groups form which ions: group 1 loses 1 electron (1+ charge), group 2 loses 2 (2+), group 6 gains 2 (2−), group 7 gains 1 (1−). The ionic bond itself is explained as the strong electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. Dot and cross diagrams are explained for both NaCl and MgO, with a step-by-step guide to drawing them correctly. A worked table shows how to calculate protons, neutrons and electrons in the ions Al³⁺ (Z=13, A=27 → 13p, 14n, 10e), Na⁺ and F⁻ - the exact ions from the Edexcel exam paper. The isoelectronic relationship between these ions and neon is highlighted. The stretch section covers transition metal variable oxidation states and ionisation energy evidence for electron shells.

Student Exam Practice Sheet (PDF + DOCX) - six questions (14 marks) covering group 6 ion MCQ, why magnesium loses 2 electrons, why electron loss creates a cation, the Al³⁺/Na⁺/F⁻ particle table, describing MgO formation, and electronic configurations of ions.

Teacher Answer Key (PDF + DOCX) - full tick-point mark scheme with examiner notes.

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