An ion is an atom or group of atoms that has a net electrical charge. More specifically, a cation is an ion with a positive charge, and an anion is an ion with a negative charge. Positive and negative ions can combine through electrostatic (coulombic) forces of attraction and form ionic compounds, or salts. The ratio in which the ions combined in the resulting ionic compound depends on the charges on the individual ions.
One important property of ionic compounds is aqueous solubility. Solubility refers to the ability of one compound, the solute, to dissolve in another, the solvent. In this case the solute is the ionic compound and the solvent is water.
This module simulates the formation of ionic compounds by allowing you to combine ten common anions and ten common cations to determine the name, formula and solubility of the resulting compound.
INSTRUCTIONS
To form ionic compounds, simply select the cation by clicking on one of the ten Cation option buttons. Select the anion by clicking on one of the ten Anion option buttons.