MediumChemistryHigh School (9–10)GeneralMetals and Non-metals › Ionic Compounds and Extraction of MetalsNumericalConceptual
Potassium chloride melts at 1043 K and candle wax at 330 K.
Contributed by StemPy LabTry it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
Potassium chloride melts at and candle wax at . How many times higher is the melting point of potassium chloride? Why is it so much higher?
Need a reminder? The key ideaShow
A metal atom loses its outer electrons to become a positive ion; a non-metal atom gains electrons to complete eight. The ions attract in an ionic bond, and the charges in the formula cancel. Ionic compounds are hard, brittle crystals with high melting points; they dissolve in water and conduct only when melted or dissolved.
The worked solution
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. .
Step 2. Potassium chloride is held by the strong pull between its ions. Wax molecules attract each other only weakly.
Answer: about times.
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