Chapter 6 - Ionic Bonding

Question 1

Define Ionic bonds.

Answer 1

Ionic bonds are the strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely-charged ions.

Question 2

Explain, in terms of structure and bonding, why ionic compounds have a high melting and boiling point.

Answer 2

Ionic compounds have giant ion lattice structures. Since there are strong electrostatic forces of attraction between the oppositely charged ions, a lot of heat energy is needed to OVERCOME the forces. Therefore, ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points.

Question 3

What are some physical properties of ionic compounds?(3)

Answer 3

1) High melting and boiling points, usually solid at room temperature and pressure. Large amount of energy required to overcome the strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely-charged ions.
2) usually soluble in water and insoluble in organic solvents like alcohol.
3) conducts electricity when molten state(melt solid to liquid) or aqueous state due to presence of mobile ions as cations and anions are free to move around.

Question 4

How are ionic compounds dissolved in water?

Answer 4

Water molecules are attracted to the ions. This weakens the electrostatic forces between ions, hence the ions are pulled from the lattice structure and compound dissolves to form an aqueous solution (has solid dissolved inside)

Question 5

Why are ionic compounds unable to conduct electricity in solid state?

Answer 5

All the ions are at their fixed positions and immobile, so there is no mobile ions.

Question 6

What happens when a metal reacts with a non-metal?

Answer 6

One or more valence electrons are transferred from a metallic atom to a non-metallic atom.