Ionic Bonding

Question 1

Explain why ionic compounds conduct electricity when they’re molten or dissolved but not when they’re solid

Answer 1

The ions in a liquid are free to move and carry a charge.

In a solid, the ions are fixed in position by strong ionic bonds

Question 2

Explain why ionic compounds have high melting points

Answer 2

Giant ionic lattices are held together by strong electrostatic forces.

It takes loads of energy to overcome these forces, so melting points are very high

Question 3

Explain why ionic compounds tend to dissolve in water

Answer 3

Water molecules are polar- part of the molecule has a small negative charge and other bits have small positive charges.

These charged parts pull ions away from the lattice, causing it to dissolve

Question 4

Formation of Ions

Answer 4

When one or more electrons are transferred from one atom to another

Question 5

Electrostatic Attractions

Answer 5

Hold the positive and negative ions in ionic bonding close together, which are very strong

Question 6

Compound Ions

Answer 6

Ions made up of groups of atoms with an overall charge

Question 7

Formula of:

Sulfate

Hydroxide

Nitrate

Carbonate

Ammonium

Answer 7

SO4 2-

OH-

NO3-

CO3 2-

NH4 +