Explain general properties of ionic compounds

Explanation

(i) Physical nature : Ionic compounds are solids and are somewhat hard because of the strong force of attraction between the positive and negative ions, These compounds are generlly brittle and break into pieces hen pressure is applied.
(ii) Melting and Boiling points: Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points. This is because a considerable amount of energy is required to break the strong inter-ionic attraction.
(iii) Solubility: Electrovalent.compounds are generally soluble in water and insoluble in solvents such as kerosene, .petrol, etc.
(iv) Conduction of Electricity: A solution of an ionic compound in water contains ions, which move to the opposite electrodes when electricity is passed through the solution.
(v) Ionic compounds in the solid state do not conduct electricity because movement ions in the solid is not possible due to their rigid structure. But ionic compounds conduct electricity in the molten state.