2.1 - Giant ionic structures

Question 1

Why are ionic compounds solids at room temperature?

Answer 1

Ionic compounds have giant structures in which many strong electrostatic forces hold the ions together

Question 2

Why do ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points?

Answer 2

A lot of energy is required to overcome the strong electrostatic forces in the giant structure of an ionic compound

Question 3

When can ionic substances conduct electricity?

Answer 3

When molten or dissolved in water

Question 4

Why can ionic substances conduct electricity when melted?

Answer 4

When an ionic compound is melted, the ions are free to move. This allows them to carry electrical charge, so they can conduct electricity

Question 5

Why can some ionic solids conduct electricity when dissolved in water?

Answer 5

Some ionic solids dissolve in water because water molecules can split up the lattice. The ions are free to move in the solutions, so can conduct electricity

Question 6

Why can’t ionic compounds conduct electricity when a solid?

Answer 6

When solid, the ions can only vibrate around fixed positions and therefore cannot move around