Ionic bonding

Question 1

Can ionic compounds conduct electricity?

Answer 1

Ionic compounds can conduct electricity when aqueous because the oppositely charged ions are free to move. However, they cannot when solid because the electrostatic forces of attraction between the positive and negative ions are too strong and prevent the particles moving

Question 2

Are ionic compounds brittle?

Answer 2

Ionic compounds are brittle
This is because if the positive and negative charges move, they will find themselves not next to an oppositely-charged ion, but a similar charged ion which will cause the structure to break.

Question 3

What is ionic bonding?

Answer 3

Ionic bonding is the strong electrostatic attraction between positive and negative ions in giant ionic lattices.

Question 4

Why do ionic compounds have a high melting point?

Answer 4

Ionic compounds have a high melting point because of the strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely-charged ions in a giant ionic lattice. These bonds are strong and hard to overcome.