Give two physical properties of ionic compounds?
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Ionic compounds have high melting/boiling points. They often dissociate in aqueous solutions (when they are dissolved in water), causing them to conduct electricity.
Two physical properties of ionic compounds are high melting and boiling points, and crystalline structure.
To understand why ionic compounds have these properties, we need to understand their nature. Ionic compounds are formed when atoms of different elements transfer electrons to each other, creating positive and negative ions. These ions are then held together by electrostatic attraction, forming a crystal lattice structure.
The high melting and boiling points of ionic compounds arise from the strong electrostatic forces between ions. In order to melt or boil an ionic compound, these forces must be overcome, requiring a significant amount of energy. Additionally, these compounds tend to be solids at room temperature due to their strong intermolecular forces.
The crystalline structure of ionic compounds refers to their arrangement of ions in a repeating pattern throughout the crystal lattice. This regular arrangement gives rise to their characteristic shapes and the ability to cleave along specific planes. The strong ionic bonds maintain the structure, resulting in the formation of beautiful, well-defined crystals.
In conclusion, the high melting and boiling points and crystalline structure are two physical properties of ionic compounds that can be attributed to the strong ionic bonds and the arrangement of ions in a crystal lattice.
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http://chemistry.about.com/od/moleculescompounds/a/Ionic-Compound-Properties.htm