Ionic Bonds Gizmo Study Guide Rated A+

Valence electron {Ans: an electron in the outermost shell of an atom.}Metal {Ans: an element that is malleable and usually conducts heat and electricity well.}Ion {Ans: an electrically charged atom that has gained or lost one or more electrons.}Nonmetal {Ans: an element that is generally a poor conductor of heat and electricity.}Chemical family {Ans: a vertical column in the periodic table of elements.}Shell {Ans: a particular region where electrons can orbit the nucleus of an atom.}Octet rule {Ans: a rule of thumb that states that atoms are most stable when surrounded by eight valence electrons.}Electron affinity {Ans: the tendency of an atom to attract electrons.}Ionic bond {Ans: a bond formed by the attraction between two oppositely charged ions.}