An inorganic compound that, when dissolved in water, produces positive ions—that is, cations—of hydrogen, designated symbolically as H + ions. (This is just one definition; see Acids and Bases; Acid-Base Reactions for more.)
The negatively charged ion that results when an atom gains one or more electrons. The word is pronounced "AN-ie-un."
An inorganic compound that produces negative hydroxide ions when it is dissolved in water. These anions are designated by the symbol OH − . (This is just one definition; see Acids and Bases; Acid-Base Reactions for more.)
A compound that contains just two elements. For the purposes of establishing compoundnames, binary compounds are divided into Type I, Type II, and Type III.
The positively charged ion that results when an atom loses one or more electrons. The word "cation" is pronounced "KAT-ie-un."
The joining, through electromagnetic force, of atoms representing different elements.
A substance made up of atoms of more than one element, which are chemically bonded and usually joined inmolecules. The composition of a compound is always the same, unless it is changed chemically.
Inorganic compounds formed when one or more ions or molecules contribute both electrons necessary for a bonding pair in order to bond with a metallic ion or atom.
A negatively charged particle in an atom.
For the most part, inorganic compounds are anycompounds that do not contain carbon. However, carbonates and carbon oxides are also inorganic compounds. Compare with organic compounds.
An atom or group of atoms that has lost or gained one or more electrons, and thus has a net electric charge.
A form of chemical bonding that results from attractions between ions with opposite electric charges.
A compound in which ions are present. Ionic compounds contain at least one metal joined to another element by an ionic bond.
Substances which have the same chemical formula, but which have different chemical properties due to differences in the arrangement of atoms.
A substance in which elements are not chemically bonded, and in which the composition is variable. A mixture is distinguished from a compound.
Generallyspeaking, a compound containing carbon. The only exceptions are the carbonates (for example, calcium carbonate or limestone) and oxides, such as carbon dioxide.
An inorganic compound in which the only negatively charged ion is anoxygen.
An inorganic compound formed by the reaction of an acid with a base. Generally speaking, a salt is a combination of a metal and a nonmetal, and it can contain ions of any element but hydrogen.
Ionic compounds involving a metal that always forms a cation of a certain electriccharge.
Ionic compounds involving a metal (typically a transition metal) that forms cations with differing charges.
Compounds containing only nonmetals.
Electrons that occupy the highest energy levels in anatom. These are the only electrons involved in chemical bonding.
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