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What are the Properties of Ionic Compounds?
When metals react with
non-metals
they form an ionic compound.
Ions have a
charge because
electrons are lost or gained in
forming an ionic
bond.
An ionic compound has strong
forces of attraction
between the ions in all directions and
forms a giant
structure.
Ionic
bonds are strong.
All ionic
compounds are solid at room
temperature.
Solid ionic compounds do not
conduct electricity
because the ions are not free to
move.
If the solid is heated until
it melts, the liquid will
conduct
electricity
because the ions are mobile
(they can move). When electricity flows through
an ionic compound the ions become separated
and
turned into elements. This happens during electrolysis.
If the ionic
solid is dissolved in a solvent
(for
example water),
the particles of the solvent
overcome
the force
of attraction between the ions
and separate the ions
from each other to form a solution.
The solution will conduct electricity
because the ions are now free to move.
The liquid which conducts electricity
is called the electrolyte.
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