Ionic bonding properties

Question 1

High melting and boiling points

Answer 1

A strong electrostatic force of attraction between the oppositely charged ions and therefore a large amount of energy is required to break the strong bonding force between ions.

Question 2

Hard and brittle

Answer 2

Hard: like charges repulse and brake away from one another.

Brittle: layers move like charges next to each other and repel, causing them to break away.

Question 3

Good conductors of electricity when molten and dissolved in water

Answer 3

• Dissolved or molten ionic compound provides free flowing ions
• The free-flowing ions allow the flow of the electrical current
• Solid ionic compounds do not have free ions

Question 4

Some ionic compounds are soluble in water (polar solvents)

Answer 4

Water surrounds the ionic compound causing it to dissociate, breaking the electrostatic attraction