Describe general properties of ionic compounds.

Explanation

a. Ionic compounds are made up of ions. The ionic compounds are made up of positive and negative ions. Each positive ion is surrounded by negative ions and they show a definite structure as they are arranged in a definite lattice.
b. ionic compounds are crystalline solids: The ionic compounds have strong electrostatic forces and hence the ions are compactly arranged. The ionic compounds are hard but brittle.
c. Ionic compounds have high melting point and high boiling points: The ionic compounds have strong electrostatic forces and hence when heated the compound takes up more energy to break these forces, thus they have high melting points and high boiling points.
d. Ionic compounds are generally soluble in water. When ionic compounds are dissolved in water they break down into their respective ions due to the weakening of the forces between the ions.
e. Ionic compounds are good conductors of electricity in their aqueous solutions and molten form: When ionic compounds are dissolved in water they break into their respective ions and when they are molten the ions are set free, these free ions conduct an electric current.