Properties of Ionic Compounds Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What do all ionic compounds consist of?

Huge lattices of alternating positive and negative ions arranged in a regular way.

How is the lattice held together?

By the strong attractions between the positively and negatively charged ions.

What are common properties of ionic compounds?

High melting and boiling points, conduct electricity when molten or in solution (not when solid), often soluble in water.

What is the definition of an ionic bond?

The electrostatic force of attraction between oppositely charged ions. Signup and view all the answers

Why do ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points?

They have extremely strong ionic bonds holding the ions together throughout the ionic lattice, which require a lot of energy to break. Signup and view all the answers

Why can ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten but not when solid?

The ions can only allow current to flow when they are free to move. In solid form, the ions are in fixed positions and cannot move. Signup and view all the answers

Why are ionic compounds soluble in water?

Water molecules are able to separate ions from one another and keep ions in solution. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when you put the ionic crystal in water?

It separates out to a solvated negative ion and a solvated positive ion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'solvated'?

In a solvent. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the melting point with the greater the ionic charge?

The bigger the attractions, hence a higher melting point. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Properties of Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds consist of vast lattices formed by alternating positive and negative ions in a regular arrangement.
The lattice structure is maintained by strong electrostatic attractions between positively and negatively charged ions.

Common Characteristics

High melting and boiling points due to strong ionic bonds that require significant energy to break.
Conduct electricity when molten or in solution, as ions are free to move; they cannot conduct electricity in solid form due to fixed positions.
Often soluble in water as water molecules can separate and stabilize ions in solution.

Definitions

An ionic bond is the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions, which creates a stable compound.
When ionic crystals dissolve in water, they dissociate into solvated positive and negative ions.

Electrical Conductivity

Ionic compounds conduct electricity in molten state or solution because ions are mobile; in solid state, ions are locked in place, inhibiting current flow.

Solvation

Solvated refers to ions being surrounded and stabilized by solvent molecules, allowing for dissolution.

Charge and Attraction

The greater the ionic charge, the stronger the attraction between ions, resulting in higher melting points for compounds with greater charges.

Description

This flashcard quiz covers key properties and definitions related to ionic compounds. Explore the characteristics of ionic lattices, the forces that hold them together, and their common properties. Perfect for students studying chemistry concepts!