Ionic lattice
The regular, repeating 3D pattern of positive and negative ions in an ionic compound. Every ion is surrounded by ions of opposite charge.
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Analogy
It is like oranges stacked neatly in a crate, in a pattern that repeats.
Example
High melting pointConducts when molten or dissolvedDoes not conduct as a solidOften dissolves in water
In practice
Ionic compounds have high melting points because many strong bonds must be broken.
Practice
Flashcards
- Why can ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten?The ions are free to move and carry charge.
Interview questions
- Explain why sodium chloride has a high melting point.
- Giant ionic lattice
- Strong electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions
- Many bonds to break
- A lot of energy needed
Questions people ask
Why do ionic solids not conduct electricity?
In a solid lattice the ions are locked in place and cannot move. Conduction needs charged particles that are free to move. Once the compound melts or dissolves, the ions can travel and the liquid conducts. This is why molten salt conducts but a salt crystal does not.
Why are ionic crystals brittle?
If a force pushes one layer sideways, ions of the same charge end up next to each other. They repel and the crystal splits apart. That is why a salt crystal shatters when struck rather than bending as a piece of metal would.