Bonding & StructureDefinitions

Key Definitions

Part of Ionic CompoundsGCSE Chemistry

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.

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Ionic Compounds. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Ionic Compounds

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

Quick Recall Flashcards

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!
What is a giant ionic lattice?
A regular 3D arrangement of alternating positive and negative ions extending in all directions

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