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Saturday, August 22, 2009, 4:14 AM
[Chemistry - Ionic Bonding]

What are ionic compounds?
Ionic compounds are made up of oppositely-charged ions held in fixed positions in a giant lattice structure by strong electrostatic forces of attraction.

Why do Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points?
Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points (non-volatile), as the lattice of an ionic compound is held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction between the oppositely-charged ions. A large amount of energy is required to overcome these forces, and to change an ionic compound from solid to liquid state.

Are Ionic compounds soluble? Why?
Ionic compounds are generally soluble in water, as water molecules can separate the positive ions from the negative ions within an ionic compound, causing them to dissolve.
However, ionic compounds are insoluble in organic compounds.

Electrical conductivity of ionic compounds in different states:
Ionic compounds do not conduct electricity in the solid state as the ions are kept immobile by the strong electrostatic forces of attraction between the oppositely-charged ion. Since there are no mobile charged particles, electrical conduction is not possible.

Ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten as sufficient energy is provided and taken in by the ions to overcome the strong electrostatic forces of attraction, causing the giant lattice structure to break apart. Thus, the ions are free to move and can conduct electricity.

Ionic compounds can conduct electricity when dissolved in water as water molecules can separate the positive ions from the negative ions, breaking the giant lattice structure apart. Thus, the ions are mobile and can conduct electricity.

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