C3.4 - Giant ionic structures Flashcards
1
Q
giant lattice
A
a huge 3D network of atoms/ions
2
Q
electrodes
A
a conductor through which electricity passes through the ionic compound
3
Q
How are ionic lattices formed
A
- electrostatic forces act in all directions
- very powerful attraction holds structure together
- many bonds between many ions
4
Q
Melting/boiling points in ionic compounds
A
- are very high
- lots of energy is needed to overcome the bonds between the ions
5
Q
How do ionic compounds conduct electricity
A
- when the solid ionic compound melts, the ions are free to move around
- the charged particles are attracted to the oppositely charged electrodes
- then they are able to carry electrical charge through the molten compound
6
Q
Why can’t a solid ionic compound conduct electricity
A
As their ions are in a fixed position
-cannot carry the charge around
7
Q
How else can ionic compounds conduct electricity other than being melted
A
- by being dissolved
- as the water molecules in the solution separate the ions in the lattice
- and break their bonds
- they become free
8
Q
The higher the number of charges the ionic compound has …
A
the stronger their electrostatic forces are between the compounds
-eg Al+3 has a higher electrostatic attraction with O-2 than Na+ will have
