Why are ionic compounds hard and brittle?
Why are ionic compounds hard and brittle?
Ionic compounds
An ionic compound is formed by the electrostatic force between positive and negative ions. This bond is formed due to the transfer of electrons between metal and non-metal. Example:
Ionic compounds are hard and brittle because of
(i) forces of attraction in ionic compounds
Ionic compounds have a strong electrostatic force of attraction between them.
(ii) type of constituents
The constituents of an ionic compound are positive ions and negative ions.
(iii) arrangement of constituents
Ionic compounds exist as solids, therefore the particles are arranged tightly.
(iv) effect of this arrangement on directionality.
Since the particles are tightly packed, they have a strong electrostatic force of attraction.
Ionic compounds
An ionic compound is formed by the electrostatic force between positive and negative ions. This bond is formed due to the transfer of electrons between metal and non-metal. Example:
Ionic compounds are hard and brittle because of
(i) forces of attraction in ionic compounds
Ionic compounds have a strong electrostatic force of attraction between them.
(ii) type of constituents
The constituents of an ionic compound are positive ions and negative ions.
(iii) arrangement of constituents
Ionic compounds exist as solids, therefore the particles are arranged tightly.
(iv) effect of this arrangement on directionality.
Since the particles are tightly packed, they have a strong electrostatic force of attraction.
