Bonding & StructureHigh Exam FrequencyAQA

Ionic Compounds

Revise Ionic Compounds in Bonding & Structure for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 20 flashcards. This is a high-frequency exam topic, so students should expect to explain it clearly under timed conditions.

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Why Can't You Melt Salt on a Kitchen Stove?

Introduction 2

Understanding the Giant Ionic Lattice

Deep Dive 3

Giant Ionic Lattice Structure

Diagram 4

How It Works: Why the Lattice Gives Ionic Compounds Their Properties

How It Works 5

Comparing Ionic Compounds

Worked Example 6

Key Definitions

Definitions 7

Key Facts to Memorise

Key Facts 8

Common Misconceptions

Misconceptions 9

Memory Aids

Memory Aid 10

Exam Focus

Exam Focus 11

Exam Tips for Ionic Compounds

Exam Tips 12

Topic Summary: Ionic Compounds

Summary

Sample Flashcards

What is a giant ionic lattice?

A regular 3D arrangement of alternating positive and negative ions extending in all directions

Memory aid: When does an ionic compound conduct electricity?

Solid = stuck (ions fixed, no conduction) Liquid = loose (ions free to move) Solution = swimming (ions free to move) Only liquid and solution conduct!

Sample Questions

What type of structure is found in all ionic compounds?

A. Giant ionic lattice
B. Simple molecular
C. Giant covalent
D. Metallic lattice

1 markfoundation

Explain why magnesium oxide conducts electricity when it is molten but not when it is solid.

2 marksstandard

exam-style questions

revision flashcards

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Ionic Bonding

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Covalent Bonding