Ionic Compounds Flashcards
What are the properties of ionic compounds?
They have high melting and boiling points.
Don’t conduct electricity when solid.
Conduct electricity in a liquid form.
Dissolve in water easily.
Why do ionic compounds have high melting points?
The electrostatic attraction that holds ions together is strong and extends in all directions, therefore, it requires a large amount of energy to break these attractions, resulting in a high melting point.
Why do ionic compounds only conduct electricity in a liquid form?
Either melted or dissolved the ions are free to move around meaning it will conduct electricity.
Why are ionic compounds soluble in water?
Electrostatic forces allow ionic compounds to dissolve in water. There is an attraction between ions and water which allows the ions to separate and become completely surrounded by water molecules.
What is the structure of ionic compounds like?
Ionic compounds have giant ionic lattices. The ions form closely packed regular arrangements there are strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions.
