This memory aid covers Memory Aids within Ionic Bonding for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Ionic Bonding in Bonding & Structure for GCSE Chemistry with 35 exam-style questions and 20 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 11 of 16 in this topic. Use it for quick recall, then test yourself straight afterwards so the memory aid becomes usable in an answer.
🧠 Memory Aids
Metals vs Non-metals: "Metal LOSES, Non-metal GAINS" — MLNG (sounds like "Melon Juice")
CATions are Paws-itive: CAT-ions (positive) — cats have PAWS, and positive ions are like cats — they've LOST something (electrons) and want them back. Opposite: AN-ions are negative (ANother kind of ion).
Charge from Group number:
- Group 1 → +1 (e.g., Na⁺)
- Group 2 → +2 (e.g., Mg²⁺)
- Group 6 → -2 (e.g., O²⁻) — 8 - 6 = 2 short
- Group 7 → -1 (e.g., Cl⁻) — 8 - 7 = 1 short
Remember the dot-cross rules: "Brackets Outside, Charge Outside" — square brackets always go around each ion, and the charge is written OUTSIDE the bracket, not inside.
Practice questions for Ionic Bonding
Which combination of elements forms an ionic compound?
Describe the structure of an ionic compound and explain why ionic compounds have high melting points. [3 marks]