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Which of the following is a characteristic property of ionic compounds?
They are generally insoluble in water
They have high melting and boiling points
They conduct electricity in solid state
They are usually formed by sharing of electrons
They have high melting and boiling points
Ionic compounds are characterized by strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions, leading to a rigid, stable crystal lattice structure. Due to these intense forces, a significant amount of energy is required to break the lattice, resulting in high melting and boiling points.
Ionic compounds are characterized by strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions, leading to a rigid, stable crystal lattice structure. Due to these intense forces, a significant amount of energy is required to break the lattice, resulting in high melting and boiling points.
Think of ionic bonds like a massive, highly organized crowd holding hands in a giant circle; it takes a tremendous amount of energy to break their grip compared to a few people just standing side-by-side.
HI-BOND: High melting, Ion-based, High boiling, Organized, Non-conductive (in solid state), Dissociates in water.
F=kтЛЕr2q1тАЛq2тАЛтАЛ тАФ Coulomb's Law representing electrostatic force of attraction
╬ФHlatticeтАЛ тАФ Lattice enthalpy, representing bond strength
The principle is based on Coulomb's Law, where the force of attraction F between ions is governed by F=kтЛЕr2q1тАЛq2тАЛтАЛ. Because ionic bonds are non-directional and extend in all directions within the crystal, the energy required to overcome these collective interactions is very high. Thermal energy must be sufficient to overcome the lattice enthalpy, which represents the total energy released when gaseous ions form the solid ionic crystal.
Ionic compounds exist as crystalline solids due to strong electrostatic attraction.
They are generally soluble in water because polar water molecules stabilize the ions.
They do not conduct electricity in solid form because ions are fixed in a lattice.
They conduct electricity in molten or aqueous states because ions become mobile.
High thermal stability
Excellent electrical conductivity in solution
Brittle nature due to lattice repulsion if planes shift
Non-conducting in solid state
Table salt (NaCl) in food preservation
Electrolytes in batteries
Ionic compounds are typically solids at room temperature with high lattice energy.
Option A is incorrect because most ionic compounds are soluble in polar solvents like water.
Option C is incorrect because ions are restricted in movement within the solid crystal lattice.
Option D is incorrect because ionic bonds are formed by the complete transfer of electrons, not sharing.
B is correct тАФ Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points due to strong electrostatic forces of attraction holding their ions together in a crystal lattice.
Always remember that ionic compounds are 'locked' in solids (no conduction) but 'unlocked' in liquids (conductive). This contrast is a favorite for UPSC and competitive exam trick questions.