Unit 2: Topic 3 - Structure of Ionic Solids

Question 1

How are ionic solids structured?

Answer 1

Ionic solids generally form a lattice structure of alternating cations and anions that maximizes the attraction and minimizes repulsion to create the most stable form, making the most out of the least amount of space.

Question 2

How are ionic solids structured and what are their properties?

Answer 2

Ionic solids form crystal lattices. The cations and anions align themselves in this structure in order to maximize attraction and minimize repulsion.

Properties of Ionic Solids:
1) They have high melting and boiling points due to the strong electrostatic attractions occurring between oppositely charged ions.
2) They are poor conductors of electricity because their electrons are localized (stuck in place). They can only conduct electricity when they are in a liquid (molten) state or in an aqueous solution where their electrons are delocalized (able to move).