AQA · Chemistry · 8462
GCSE Chemistry: Properties of ionic compounds
Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter · AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462), specification point 4.2.2.3. Cards are generated from the exam board's own specification for "Properties of ionic compounds", and every card links back to the page it came from. Specification © AQA — used with attribution.
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What type of structure do ionic compounds have?
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A regular structure called a giant ionic lattice.
What holds the ions together in a giant ionic lattice?
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Strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions.
In which directions do the electrostatic forces act in an ionic lattice?
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In all directions.
Why do ionic compounds have high melting points?
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Large amounts of energy are needed to break the many strong electrostatic bonds between the ions.
Do ionic compounds have high or low boiling points?
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High boiling points, because many strong electrostatic bonds must be broken.
Under what two conditions do ionic compounds conduct electricity?
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When melted (molten) or when dissolved in water.
Why do molten ionic compounds conduct electricity?
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The ions are free to move, so charge can flow.
Why do solid ionic compounds not conduct electricity?
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The ions are held in fixed positions in the lattice and cannot move, so charge cannot flow.
Ionic compounds have regular structures called giant ionic ?.
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lattices
Ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten or dissolved because the ? are free to move.
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ions
Which specific ionic compound's structure must GCSE students know?
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Sodium chloride (NaCl).
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