Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical name for common table salt?
3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which of the following is a typical property of ionic compounds?
A
They are usually soft and malleable.
B
They conduct electricity in solid state.
C
They are generally insoluble in water.
D
They have high melting and boiling points.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the nature of ionic compounds: Ionic compounds are formed by the electrostatic attraction between positively charged cations and negatively charged anions.
Recall the physical properties of ionic compounds: Because of the strong ionic bonds, ionic compounds tend to have high melting and boiling points, as a lot of energy is required to break these bonds.
Consider electrical conductivity: Ionic compounds do not conduct electricity in the solid state because the ions are fixed in place within the crystal lattice and cannot move freely.
Think about solubility: Many ionic compounds are soluble in water because water molecules can stabilize the separated ions, but some ionic compounds may be insoluble depending on their lattice energy and hydration energy.
Evaluate mechanical properties: Ionic compounds are generally hard and brittle, not soft and malleable, because when layers of ions shift, like charges repel and cause the crystal to break.
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