Ionic Bonding Properties Review

These flashcards cover key concepts related to ionic bonding properties, including their characteristics, electrical conductivity, and solubility.

Ionic Bonding

A type of chemical bond formed through the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.

High Melting Points

Ionic compounds generally have high melting points due to strong attractions between ions, requiring large amounts of energy to break.

Brittleness

Ionic compounds are brittle because a strong force can disrupt the crystal lattice, causing layers of ions to shift and repel each other.

Hardness

The strong ionic bonds in ionic compounds make them hard and difficult to scratch.

Electrical Conductivity in Solids

Ionic compounds do not conduct electricity in solid form because their ions are held in a rigid lattice and are not free to move.

Electrical Conductivity in Solution

Ionic compounds can conduct electricity when melted or dissolved in water, as the ions become free to move.

Solubility

The term refers to how well an ionic compound can dissolve in a solvent, such as water.

Soluble Compounds

Some ionic compounds are very soluble in water, allowing ions to break away from the ionic lattice.

Insoluble Compounds

Insoluble ionic compounds do not dissolve in water, as their ions remain bonded in an ionic lattice.