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Chapter 37: Problem 2

Why do ionically bonded materials have high melting points?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Ionically bonded materials have high melting points due to the strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions in an ionic lattice. A large amount of energy is required to disrupt these forces and cause the compound to change state (melt or boil).

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Ionic Bonds

An ionic bond is a chemical bond between two atoms where one atom gives up one or more electrons to another atom. This results in a positive ion (called a cation) and a negative ion (called an anion). In their quest for achieving a stable electron configuration, atoms gain or lose electrons and as a result, they form charged ions which pile up electrostatically to form ionic bonds.
02

Ionic Compound Formation

These cations and anions, aided by their opposite charges and high electrostatic attraction, arrange themselves into a giant structure known as an ionic lattice, leading to the formation of an ionic compound. The size, shape and pattern of this lattice structure depend on the sizes and charges of the ions involved.
03

High Melting Points of Ionic Compounds

Due to the large amount of energy required to disrupt the electrostatic forces of attraction between the oppositely charged ions in the lattice structure, ionic compounds typically exhibit high melting points and boiling points.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Electrostatic Attraction
Electrostatic attraction is a fundamental force that plays a critical role in the formation of ionic bonds. When atoms are close, they can transfer electrons between each other. In this process, one atom becomes a positively charged ion (cation) by losing electrons, and another becomes a negatively charged ion (anion) by gaining those electrons. These oppositely charged ions attract each other.
  • The force that holds them together is known as electrostatic attraction.
  • It is similar to the forces that make magnets stick to one another.
These attractions are quite powerful and provide the strength needed to form stable ionic compounds. Electrostatic attraction occurs in a 3D space and acts in all directions, creating a substantial bonding force that is difficult to break.
Ionic Lattice
In ionic compounds, the ions don't just form a simple pair. Instead, they arrange themselves into a repeating pattern known as an ionic lattice.
  • An ionic lattice is a 3-dimensional structure where each ion is surrounded by ions of opposite charge.
  • This arrangement maximizes the attractive forces and minimizes repulsive forces, creating a stable structure.
The precise arrangement depends on the size and charge of the ions. For example, smaller ions can pack more closely, forming more compact lattices. This intricate structure enhances the strength of the ionic bond and contributes to various properties of ionic materials, such as their brittleness and ability to dissolve in water under certain conditions.
High Melting Points
Ionic compounds are known for their high melting and boiling points, which are direct consequences of their strong ionic bonds. These bonds require a lot of energy to break.
  • The electrostatic forces in an ionic lattice are significant and extend throughout the entire structure.
  • Disrupting these bonds necessitates high temperatures as you need to overcome the attraction holding the lattice together.
For example, common salt (NaCl) has a melting point of about 801掳C. This is because of the immense energy required to break the electrostatic forces bonding the sodium and chloride ions together. Hence, ionic compounds are typically solid at room temperature and require high heat to turn into liquids.

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