*
Small yellow beads are used as models for positive metal ions, * bigger
green beads are models for negative chloride ions.
Left: Ions with like
charges repulse each other. Middle: Ions with unlike charges attract
each other.
Right: No molecules
are formed by two ions but crystal lattices made of a great number of negative
and positive ions. This is a very simple model. If you want to see
a more complicated one, click here.