Properties of Ionic Compounds

Question 1

How are ionic compounds arranged?

Answer 1

They are arranged in a giant structure called the giant ionic lattice.

Question 2

Giant ionic lattice featues:

Answer 2

• A regular arrangement where each positive ion is surrounded by 4 negative ions and vice versa, to form a 3D shape.
• The lines in their diagrams represent the extremely strong forces of attration/electrostatic bonds between the ions, holding the positive and negative ions in place (ionic bonds).

Question 3

Are the melting & boiling points of ionic compounds high or low? Why?

Answer 3

Ionic compounds have very high melting & boiling points. This is because their strong electrostatic forces require a lot of heat energy to break.

Question 4

Can ionic compounds conduct electricity as solids?

Answer 4

No, they can’t conduct electricity as solids as their ions cannot move (due to the electrostatic forces of attraction holding them in place).

Question 5

Can ionic compounds comduct electricity when molten (liquid)/dissolved in water (aqueous)?

Answer 5

Yes, they can conduct electricity as the ions can now move (when ionic compounds are melted, their electrostatic forces of attraction -which hold ions in their place - are broken).