Properties of Ionic Compounds Flashcards
What are some key properties of ionic compounds?
Solid at room temperature, high melting and boiling points, can dissociate in water to form conductive solutions, and form crystalline lattices.
Why do ionic compounds have high melting points?
Because a lot of energy is needed to overcome strong electrostatic forces between ions.
Why are solutions of dissolved ionic compounds conductive?
Because they dissociate into free-moving ions in solution.
What is a precipitate?
An insoluble solid formed when two aqueous solutions react.
How do you determine if an ionic compound is soluble?
Use a solubility chart to check if the compound dissociates in water.
Why do ionic compounds tend to form crystalline structures?
Because the ions arrange themselves in a regular, repeating pattern to minimize energy and maximize stability.
What happens to the conductivity of an ionic compound when it is melted?
It becomes conductive because the ions are free to move in the molten state.
Why do ionic compounds tend to dissolve in water?
Because water molecules are polar and can stabilize the ions, breaking the ionic bonds and allowing dissociation.
What is the difference between a molecular solid and an ionic solid?
Molecular solids are held together by weaker forces like van der Waals forces, while ionic solids are held together by strong electrostatic forces.
How do ionic compounds behave when subjected to stress?
They tend to fracture or break because the ions are locked in rigid positions, and applying stress can cause like-charged ions to align, leading to repulsion.
How do ionic compounds conduct electricity?
They only conduct electricity when dissolved in water or melted, as ions need to be free to move and carry charge.
Why are ionic compounds often brittle?
Because the ionic bonds are strong, but when stress is applied, it can shift ions into positions where like charges repel, causing the compound to break.
