giant ionic structures

Question 1

ionic solids

Answer 1

• ions are fixed in position in a giant lattice. they vibrate but cannot move around.
• they don’t conduct electricity

Question 2

molten ionic compound

Answer 2

• high temperature provides enough energy to overcome the many strong attractive forces between ions.
• ions are free to move around within the molten compound.
• it conducts electricity

Question 3

ionic compound in solution

Answer 3

• water molecules separate ions from the lattice.
• ions are free to move around within the solution.
• it conducts electricity.

Question 4

key points of giant ionic structures

Answer 4

• it takes a lot of energy to break the many strong ionic bonds, operating in all directions which hold the giant lattice together.
• so ionic compounds have high melting points. they are all solids at room temperature
• ionic compounds will conduct electricity when molten or dissolved in water.
• this is because their ions can then become mobile and can carry charge in liquid.