What is a compound that consists of positive and negative ions called?

• A. Crystal
• B. Ionic Compound
• C. Chemical Formula
• D. Subscript

Answer: (B)

When a compound is made of positive and negative ions held together by strong electrostatic attractions, it forms a lattice structure known as an ionic compound. Metals typically become positive ions, while nonmetals become negative ions, and their opposite charges pull them together into a solid with distinctive properties like high melting points and the ability to conduct electricity when melted or dissolved. This is why the correct name for such a substance is an ionic compound.

Other terms describe different ideas: a crystal refers to the orderly, repeating arrangement of particles in a solid and isn’t specific to ionic bonding. A chemical formula shows which elements are present and in what amounts, but not how they are bonded. A subscript is the small number that appears in a formula to indicate how many atoms of an element there are, not the type of bonding.