CaBr2 is an ionic compound because when the metal combines with nonmetal, it usually forms an ionic compound. Here, Ca is a metal and Br is a nonmetal. So when they combine, it forms an ionic compound.
Well, now you have got to know that CaBr2 is an ionic compound, but let me explain the in-depth reason why CaBr2 is an ionic compound.
Why is CaBr2 an ionic compound?
As mentioned above, you can simply remember that when the metal combines with nonmetal, the bond between them is an ionic bond.
Here in CaBr2, the Ca atom is a metal and the Br atom is a nonmetal.
Hence the bond between them is an ionic bond.
How does the ionic bond form between Ca and Br?
In CaBr2, there are two atoms;
Ca and Br.
About Calcium (Ca):
Calcium atom have 20 electrons.
The electrons arrangement in Calcium (Ca) is 2, 8, 8, 2.
So the outermost orbit of Calcium atom has 2 electrons.
Now Calcium is a metal and the metals are highly electropositive (that means they have the tendency to lose electrons and become positive ions.)
Hence during the chemical reaction, the Calcium atom will lose 2 electrons to form a stable octet.
About Bromine (Br):
Bromine atom have 35 electrons.
The electrons arrangement in Bromine (Br) is 2, 8, 18, 7.
So the outermost orbit of Bromine atom has 7 electrons.
Now Bromine is a nonmetal and the nonmetals are highly electronegative (that means they have the tendency to gain electrons and become negative ions.)
Hence during the chemical reaction, the Bromine atom will gain 1 electron to form a stable octet.
What happens when Ca and Br combine?
When Ca and Br combine with each other, the electron transfer takes place from Calcium atom to Bromine atom (i.e from Ca to Br).
In other words, the Calcium atom (Ca) loses 2 electrons and the Bromine atoms (Br) gains 1-1 electrons.
Due to this, the Calcium becomes a positive ion (Ca2+) and Bromine becomes a negative ion (Br–).
Now because of the positive charge of Calcium ion and negative charge of Bromine ion, the electrostatic force of attraction is produced between them.
This electrostatic force between Calcium ion and Bromine ions results in an ionic bond between them.
Hence, CaBr2 is an ionic compound.
I hope you have understood the reason why CaBr2 is an ionic compound.
Check out other compounds to see whether they are ionic or covalent;
Is F2 Ionic or Covalent?
Is BaSO4 Ionic or Covalent?
Is OF2 Ionic or Covalent?
Is Cl2 Ionic or Covalent?
Is Na2SO4 Ionic or Covalent?
Jay is an educator and has helped more than 100,000 students in their studies by providing simple and easy explanations on different science-related topics. With a desire to make learning accessible for everyone, he founded Knords Learning, an online learning platform that provides students with easily understandable explanations.
Read more about our Editorial process.