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  • Binary Ionic Compounds: Definition, Examples & Characteristics
    Binary ionic compounds are compounds formed between two elements, one being a metal and the other a nonmetal.

    Here are some examples of binary ionic compounds:

    * NaCl (Sodium chloride - table salt)

    * KBr (Potassium bromide)

    * CaO (Calcium oxide)

    * MgCl₂ (Magnesium chloride)

    * Al₂O₃ (Aluminum oxide)

    * LiF (Lithium fluoride)

    Key Characteristics of Binary Ionic Compounds:

    * Metal and Nonmetal: They are composed of a metal cation (positively charged ion) and a nonmetal anion (negatively charged ion).

    * Electrostatic Attraction: The ions are held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction.

    * Neutral Charge: The compound overall has a neutral charge, meaning the positive and negative charges balance out.

    * Crystalline Structure: They usually have a regular, crystalline structure.

    * High Melting and Boiling Points: Due to the strong ionic bonds, they have relatively high melting and boiling points.

    Remember: Binary ionic compounds do not include compounds with polyatomic ions (like sulfates, nitrates, etc.).

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