Why is a translucent, brittle crystal that conducts electricity only as a solution considered an ionic compound and not a metallic compound?
(Select all that apply)
A metallic compound would be able to conduct electricity as a solid, while an ionic compound can only conduct electricity when its ions are dissociated in a solution.
An ionic compound forms a crystal structure, while metallic compounds often form shapes based on the bond angles.
A metallic compound must be silver in color, while ionic compounds always form translucent crystals.
An ionic compound would break when hit with a hammer, while a metallic compound is malleable and would not shatter.
The correct options are:
- A metallic compound would be able to conduct electricity as a solid, while an ionic compound can only conduct electricity when its ions are dissociated in a solution.
- A metallic compound must be silver in color, while ionic compounds always form translucent crystals.
Explanation for option 1: Metallic compounds have a delocalized sea of electrons that can freely move throughout the solid, allowing for efficient conduction of electricity. In contrast, in an ionic compound, the ions are held in a fixed position in the crystal lattice, and the compound can only conduct electricity when the ions are free to move, typically in a solution.
Explanation for option 3: Ionic compounds have a regular, repeating arrangement of ions in a crystal lattice, which gives them a three-dimensional structure. This ordered arrangement contributes to the crystals being translucent. Metallic compounds do not have this type of crystal structure and can have various colors.
Option 2 is incorrect because both ionic compounds and metallic compounds can form shapes based on bond angles, although their arrangements may differ.
Option 4 is incorrect because both ionic and metallic compounds can have varying degrees of brittleness. While it is true that ionic compounds tend to be more brittle and shatter when hit with a hammer, metallic compounds can also shatter under certain conditions.