Question

What are the constituent particles in ionic solids and how are they held together?

Answer 1

1. The constituent particles in ionic solids are positively charged cations and negatively charged anions.
2. These ions are held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction, known as ionic bonds. These forces act in all directions between oppositely charged ions, forming a regular and closely packed crystalline structure.
3. Because of these strong ionic bonds:
   1. Ionic solids are hard and brittle.
   2. They have high melting and boiling points.
   3. They conduct electricity in molten or aqueous states (not in solid state).
4. Example of an ionic solid is Sodium chloride (NaCl), made of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions.