Ionic compounds tend to have high melting and boiling points. What is the primary reason for this?Group of answer choicesWeak intermolecular forces in the crystal latticeHigh kinetic energy of ionsStrong electrostatic forces between ions
Question
Ionic compounds tend to have high melting and boiling points. What is the primary reason for this?Group of answer choicesWeak intermolecular forces in the crystal latticeHigh kinetic energy of ionsStrong electrostatic forces between ions
Solution
The primary reason for the high melting and boiling points of ionic compounds is the strong electrostatic forces between ions.
Here's a step-by-step explanation:
-
Ionic compounds are formed by the transfer of electrons from one atom (usually a metal) to another (usually a non-metal). This transfer of electrons results in the formation of ions, which are atoms or molecules with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.
-
These ions, which can be either positively charged (cations) or negatively charged (anions), are held together in a crystal lattice structure by strong electrostatic forces of attraction.
-
The strength of these electrostatic forces (also known as ionic bonds) is directly related to the charge of the ions and inversely related to the distance between them. The greater the charge and the smaller the distance, the stronger the force of attraction.
-
Because these forces are so strong, a lot of energy is required to overcome them. This is why ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points - it takes a lot of heat energy to break the ionic bonds and change the compound from a solid to a liquid (melting) or from a liquid to a gas (boiling).
So, the correct answer to your question is "Strong electrostatic forces between ions".
Similar Questions
What is the reason for the high boiling point of ionic compounds?Strong covalent bonds in all directions in the lattice.They are solids at room temperature.The large number of strong electrostatic attractive forces.Weak forces between the molecules.
In a giant ionic lattice there are very strong electrostatic forces of attraction in all directions.Why does this result in a very high melting point?A lot of energy is needed to overcome the electrostatic forces and separate the ions from each other.A lot of energy is needed to overcome the electrostatic forces and separate the atoms from each other.A lot of energy is needed to overcome the electrostatic forces and hold the ions together.A lot of energy is needed to overcome the electrostatic forces and separate the electrons from each other.
Explain why ionic substances have high melting points.
Potassium iodide is an ionic compound.What is the reason for potassium iodide's high melting point?They are solids at room temperature.The large number of strong electrostatic attractive forces.Strong covalent bonds in all directions in the lattice.Weak forces between the molecules.
Sodium chloride is an ionic compound and has a melting point of 801oC.Why is the melting point of sodium chloride so high?Strong covalent bonds in all directions in the lattice.The large number of strong electrostatic attractive forces.Weak forces between the molecules.They are solids at room temperature.
Upgrade your grade with Knowee
Get personalized homework help. Review tough concepts in more detail, or go deeper into your topic by exploring other relevant questions.