Properties of ionic compounds

• What is an ionic compound made up of?

  Charged particles called ions
• What type of structure do ionic compounds have?

  A giant lattice structure
• What are the forces of attraction in ionic compounds called?

  Electrostatic forces of attraction
• How do ionic compounds form?

  When a negative ion joins with a positive ion
• What is the arrangement of ions in an ionic substance called?

  A giant ionic lattice
• What explains the properties of ionic compounds?

  The structure and bonding of ionic compounds
• What are the two types of properties of ionic compounds?

  Chemical and physical properties
• What is a key fact about the melting and boiling points of ionic compounds?

  They have high melting and boiling points
• Why are ionic compounds solid at room temperature?

  Because they have high melting and boiling points
• What must happen to a substance to make it melt or boil?

  Energy must be transferred to it
• What do the strong electrostatic forces of attraction in ionic compounds do?

  They act in all directions between oppositely charged ions
• What happens during melting and boiling of ionic compounds?

  Some forces are overcome during melting, all during boiling
• What does a higher melting point indicate about an ionic compound?

  More energy is needed to overcome the ionic bonding
• What is the melting point of NaCl?

  801°C
• What is the boiling point of MgO?

  3,600°C
• Why do ionic bonds between Mg$^{2+}$ and O$^{2-}$ ions have higher strength than those between Na$^{+}$ and Cl$^{-}$ ions?


  Because Mg$^{2+}$ and O$^{2-}$ have higher charges
• What is required for a substance to conduct electricity?

  It must contain charged particles that are free to move
• When can ionic compounds conduct electricity?

  When they are melted or dissolved in water
• Why can't ionic compounds conduct electricity in the solid state?

  Because their ions are held in fixed positions
• What is a key fact about ionic compounds in terms of conductivity?

  They conduct electricity when melted or in solution
• What are the properties of ionic compounds?

  • High melting points
  • High boiling points
  • Conduct electricity when melted or in solution
  • Insulators when solid
• How does the strength of ionic bonds relate to the charge of the ions?

  • Higher charge on ions leads to stronger ionic bonds
  • More energy is needed to overcome these bonds
• What is the process of forming ionic bonds?

  1. A negative ion (gains an electron) joins with a positive ion (loses an electron)
  2. This forms a positive-negative ion pair
  3. Electrostatic forces hold the ions together