properties of ionic compounds

• ionic compounds form giant structures where every positive ion is surrounded by a negative ion
• gigantic ion lattice are 3 dimentional and have very strong forces of attraction (electrostatic forces)
• ionic compounds have high melting points. This is because the strong electrostatic forces require a great deal of energy to break
• ionic compounds cannot conduct electricity this is because the ions are not free to move they are locked in place because of their strong electrostatic forces of attraction
• ionic compounds can conduct electricity when they are melted or dissolved in the water because the ions can now move and conduct electricity