Ionic Crystals: The Characteristics and Attributes
What are the characteristics of ionic crystals?
Choose the correct attributes:
- Rigid, hard, and brittle
- Rigid, clear, and electronegative
- Homogeneous, brittle, and ionic
- Hard, electronegative, and homogeneous
Answer:
The strong attractive forces in ionic crystals make them rigid, hard, and brittle solids.
Ionic crystals are known for their specific characteristics that set them apart from other types of solids. These characteristics are a result of the strong attractive forces present in ionic crystals.
One key attribute of ionic crystals is their rigidity. The strong electrostatic force of attraction between the ions in the crystal lattice makes it resistant to deformation, giving it a rigid structure.
Additionally, ionic crystals are hard due to the presence of these strong electrostatic forces. The bonds between the positively charged ions and negatively charged ions are incredibly strong, making the crystal hard and difficult to break.
Lastly, ionic crystals are known to be brittle. This brittleness is a direct result of the non-directional nature of the ionic bonds. When a force is applied to an ionic crystal, the lack of specific bond directionality causes the crystal to fracture along planes, resulting in a brittle nature.
In summary, the strong attractive forces in ionic crystals contribute to their rigidity, hardness, and brittleness, making them unique and distinct from other types of solids.