Ionic compounds Flashcards
Why are ionic compunds usually soluble in water?
The ions interact with water molecules which splits up the lattice
Why do ionic compunds have high melting points?
There are strong electrostatic forces of attraction between the ions. A lot of energy is needed to break them
Why do ionic compounds form crystals?
They have a giant ionic lattice structure
Why can’t ionic compunds conduct electricity when solid?
The ions can’t move
Why can ionic compunds conduct electricity when molten or in a solution?
The charged ions are able to move around
Electrostatic forces of attractions
Strong forces of attraction between particles with opposite charges, such as ionic bonding
Describe the lattice structure of ionic compounds
A regular arrangement of alternating positive and negative ions
Why are ionic compunds brittle?
When the crystal is hit, the alignment of ions changes so that positive ions are together and negative ions are together. This leads to repulsion
What is broken when an ionic compound is melted or boiled?
The ionic bonds - the electrostatic forces of attraction
