This memory aid covers Memory Aids within Ionic Bonding for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Ionic Bonding in Bonding & Structure for GCSE Chemistry with 27 exam-style questions and 20 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 10 of 15 in this topic. Use it for quick recall, then test yourself straight afterwards so the memory aid becomes usable in an answer.
Topic position
Section 10 of 15
Practice
27 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
🧠 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.