Ionic Compound

Question 1

What is the structure and bonding of ionic compounds?

Answer 1

Ionic compounds are made up of cations and anions in an alternating 3D lattice. The strong electrostatic attraction between ions is called ionic bonds

Question 2

Explain the conductivity of ionic compounds (solid)

Answer 2

In solid state ionic compounds are held tightly in a fixed position, this means they are not free to move and therefore can not conduct electricity

Question 3

Explain the conductivity of ionic compounds (molten/aqueous state)

Answer 3

In Molten/aqueous state the ions are not held tightly in a fixed position. This means they are free to move and therefore molten/aqueous ionic compounds can conduct electricity.

Question 4

Explain the solubility of ionic compounds

Answer 4

The positive ion will be attracted to the slightly negative end of the polar molecule and the negative ion with be attracted to the slightly positive end of the polar molecule. Each ion will be surrounded by polar molecules, and the attraction between the ions and polar molecules is greater than the attraction between ions, therefore the ionic bonds are overcome and the ionic compound is soluble in polar solvent.

Question 5

Explain the melting/boiling point of ionic compounds

Answer 5

Ionic compounds have strong ionic bonds, therefore a large amount of heat energy is required to overcome these ionic bonds and melt it. The temperature of the melting/boiling point is therefore high.

Question 6

Explain the malleability/brittleness/hardness of ionic compounds (hardness)

Answer 6

Ions are held tightly together by strong electrostatic forces (ionic bonds), ionic bonds are considered to be hard

Question 7

Explain the malleability/brittleness/hardness of ionic compounds (brittleness)

Answer 7

When enough force is applied to an ionic compound the strong ionic bonds break and the lattice shifts so that like charges are next to each other, these like charges repel and the ionic bond shatters