C3.4 - Giant ionic structures

Question 1

giant lattice

Answer 1

a huge 3D network of atoms/ions

Question 2

electrodes

Answer 2

a conductor through which electricity passes through the ionic compound

Question 3

How are ionic lattices formed

Answer 3

• electrostatic forces act in all directions
• very powerful attraction holds structure together
• many bonds between many ions

Question 4

Melting/boiling points in ionic compounds

Answer 4

• are very high

- lots of energy is needed to overcome the bonds between the ions

Question 5

How do ionic compounds conduct electricity

Answer 5

• when the solid ionic compound melts, the ions are free to move around
• the charged particles are attracted to the oppositely charged electrodes
• then they are able to carry electrical charge through the molten compound

Question 6

Why can’t a solid ionic compound conduct electricity

Answer 6

As their ions are in a fixed position

-cannot carry the charge around

Question 7

How else can ionic compounds conduct electricity other than being melted

Answer 7

• by being dissolved
• as the water molecules in the solution separate the ions in the lattice
• and break their bonds
• they become free

Question 8

The higher the number of charges the ionic compound has …

Answer 8

the stronger their electrostatic forces are between the compounds
-eg Al+3 has a higher electrostatic attraction with O-2 than Na+ will have