Ionic Compounds - Notes

  • Every positive ion is surrounded by negative ions and vice versa
  • Called a giant ionic lattice
  • 3D
  • Very strong forces of attraction between the positive and negative ions - electrostatic forces/ionic bonds
  • Very high melting/boiling points because of the bonds
  • When hit with enough heat, the electrostatic forces break and the compound becomes liquid
  • Cannot conduct electricity when solid as the ions can’t move (they are locked in place by the electrostatic forces)
  • Can conduct electricity when molten/dissolved in water as the ions can move and carry the charge
  • Ions move when the substance is molten NOT electrons