Question #67e72

1 Answer
Apr 2, 2014

Ionic compounds do not actually satisfy the octet rule.

The octet rule is that atoms of elements are most stable when the valence shell of #s^2# and #p^6# are filled with eight electrons, making the atom like a noble gas.

In order to accomplish this atoms release or take on electrons to fill these shells.

For example Calcium (#1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2#) will readily lose the #3s^2# electrons and becomes a #Ca^+2# cation.
Fluorine (#1s^2 2s^2 2p^5#) will readily take on an electron to fill #2p^6# and become a #F^(-)# anion.

In becoming ions the atoms fulfill the rule of octet.

Now as ions the #Ca^(+2)# cation and the #F^(-)# anion, have an electric attraction of opposites to become a #CaF_2# ionic compound.

I hope this was helpful.
SMARTERTEACHER