How Do Metals and Non-Metals React?

Ionic compounds dissolve in water because water molecules can surround and separate the ions, allowing them to move freely. In organic solvents, the ions are not effectively separated, so they remain insoluble.

Ionic compounds have strong electrostatic forces between cations and anions. Breaking these bonds requires a significant amount of energy, resulting in high melting points.

Metals lose electrons to form cations, while non-metals gain electrons to form anions. The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions results in the formation of an ionic bond.