3.2.6 - ionic properties

Question 1

why do ionic compounds have high melting points

Answer 1

• ionic bonds are very strong
• in a giant ionic lattice there are lots of ionic bonds
• it requires a large amount of energy to break all these bonds

Question 2

why do some ionic compounds have higher melting points than others?

Answer 2

• their ions have higher charges
• this makes the attraction between the ions even stronger and harder to break

Question 3

what does electrical conductivity require

Answer 3

charged particles that can move freely

Question 4

can solids conduct electricity?

Answer 4

no because the ions can’t move freely

Question 5

can liquids or aqueous solutions conduct electricity?

Answer 5

yes because the ions can move freely