ionic compound properties

• Why do ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points?

  Strong electrostatic forces require much heat energy
• Why can't ionic compounds conduct electricity when solid?

  The ions are locked in place by strong forces
• When can ionic compounds conduct electricity?


  When molten or dissolved in water
• What happens to sodium in the reaction with chlorine?

  One electron is transferred to chlorine
• What charge does a sodium ion have?

  One positive charge
• What charge does a chloride ion have?

  One negative charge
• What is the electronic structure of sodium and chloride ions after bonding?

  They have a full outer energy level
• What is a giant ionic lattice?

  A structure where ions are arranged in 3D
• What surrounds each positive ion in a giant ionic lattice?

  Negative ions
• What surrounds each negative ion in a giant ionic lattice?

  Positive ions
• What are the forces of attraction in ionic compounds called?

  Electrostatic forces of attraction
• How do ionic bonds act in a giant ionic lattice?

  They act in all directions
• Why do ionic compounds have high melting points?

  Strong forces require a lot of heat energy
• What happens to ionic solids when heated?

  Particles vibrate and break forces
• What is required to break the electrostatic forces in ionic compounds?

  A great deal of heat energy
• What happens to ions in a solid ionic compound?

  They can vibrate but cannot move
• How do ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten?

  The ions can move and carry charge
• What is often confused in exams regarding ionic compounds?

  That ions, not electrons, move