Use the Bohr-Rutherford simulator to inspect valence electrons and Lewis dot structures, then classify, name, and write formulas for ionic and molecular compounds.
Lesson Focus
Anchor phenomenon: sodium explodes in water, but sodium chloride is table salt. Why? In this lesson you will use electron patterns to explain bonding, then decide whether compounds are ionic or molecular and write their names and formulas.
Section 1Use the Sim to Study Valence Electrons~20 min
Reminder
Valence electrons are the electrons in the outer shell.
Ionic bonding involves electron transfer.
Molecular bonding involves electron sharing.
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Open the Bohr-Rutherford Simulator
Build atoms by adjusting protons, neutrons, and electrons. Use both the Bohr-Rutherford view and the Lewis dot view to inspect valence electrons before answering the questions below.
Suggested sim check
Build sodium first, then fluorine. Count their valence electrons. Then think about which atom would lose an electron and which would gain one.
1
Build a neutral sodium atom. Record its valence electrons.
2
Build a neutral fluorine atom. Record its valence electrons.
3
Use what you observe to explain why sodium and fluorine bond ionically.
4
Repeat with a pair of non-metals such as hydrogen and chlorine or carbon and oxygen to think about molecular bonding.
Atom
Number of Valence Electrons
Would It Lose, Gain, or Share Electrons?
Sodium
Fluorine
One non-metal of your choice
Question 1
Using sodium and fluorine as your example, explain why ionic bonding happens.
Question 2
What is different about two non-metals that bond together?
Section 2Classify, Name, and Write Formulas~35 min
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Instructions
For each compound below, decide whether it is ionic or molecular, then write its correct name and formula.
Compound
Ionic or Molecular?
Name
Formula
Sodium chloride
Magnesium oxide
Carbon dioxide
Water
Calcium chloride
Methane
Question 3
What is one pattern you notice about ionic compounds in this chart?
Question 4
What is one pattern you notice about molecular compounds in this chart?
Section 3Explain It to Karen~15 min
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Final Task
Karen says ionic and molecular compounds are basically the same thing because “they are both just atoms stuck together.” Write a correction using at least two specific differences.
Karen Prompt
Write a short paragraph correcting Karen.
Use at least two specific differences. You may refer to electron transfer vs. sharing, metals vs. non-metals, naming patterns, or examples from this lesson.
Exit Ticket
Return to the anchor phenomenon: why is sodium chloride so different from pure sodium?
Finished?
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