Ionic Compounds

Question 1

what are ionic compounds?

Answer 1

a substance formed by the electrostatic attraction between positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions)

Question 2

what is the overall charge of an ionic compound?

Answer 2

zero

Question 3

ionic compound structure

Answer 3

• compounds with ionic bonding always have giant ionic structures
• the ions are held together in a closely packed 3D lattice arrangement by the attraction between oppositely charged ions
• the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions is very strong, because a lot of energy is needed to overcome the strong attraction, ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points
• ionic compounds are not electrical conductors when they are solid - but if you melt them, or dissolve them in water, they are able to conduct electricity