MediumChemistryHigh School (9–10)GeneralMetals and Non-metals › Ionic Compounds and Extraction of MetalsConceptual
Give four properties of ionic compounds.
Contributed by StemPy LabTry it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
Give four properties of ionic compounds. Why does solid potassium chloride not conduct electricity, but its solution in water does?
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. They are hard, brittle solids; they have high melting points; they dissolve in water but not kerosene; they conduct when melted or dissolved.
Step 2. In the solid, the ions are fixed. In the solution, they move freely and carry the current.
Answer: as above.
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