This definitions covers Key Definitions within Ionic Compounds for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Ionic Compounds in Bonding & Structure for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 20 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 6 of 12 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
Topic position
Section 6 of 12
Practice
20 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
📖 Key Definitions
Giant ionic lattice: A regular, three-dimensional arrangement of alternating positive and negative ions, held together by electrostatic forces of attraction, extending in all directions with no fixed boundary.
Electrolyte: A substance that conducts electricity when dissolved in water or melted, due to the presence of free-moving ions.
Brittleness: The property of shattering rather than bending when a force is applied, caused by layer displacement bringing like charges into alignment, generating repulsion.
Delocalised: Describes electrons (or particles) that are not fixed to one particular atom but can move throughout a structure — free moving ions in a melt are the ionic equivalent.