Bonding & StructureKey Facts

Key Facts to Memorise

Part of Ionic Compounds · GCSE GCSE Chemistry revision

This key facts covers Key Facts to Memorise within Ionic Compounds for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Ionic Compounds in Bonding & Structure for GCSE Chemistry with 21 exam-style questions and 21 flashcards. Use this page as part of a wider topic revision path rather than treating it as an isolated fact. It is section 7 of 12 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 7 of 12

Practice

21 questions

Recall

21 flashcards

📌 Key Facts to Memorise

Giant ionic lattice = regular 3D arrangement of alternating positive and negative ions
No molecules — the whole crystal is one continuous structure
High melting/boiling points — many strong electrostatic forces need lots of energy to break
Solid: no conduction — ions fixed in position, cannot move
Molten/dissolved: conducts — ions free to move and carry charge
Brittle — force causes layers to shift, like charges repel, structure shatters
Higher charges = higher melting point (MgO > NaCl)
Smaller ions = higher melting point (ions closer = stronger attraction)

Quick Check: Predict whether KCl or MgO would have the higher melting point. Give a reason.

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.

Key Definitions Common Misconceptions Giant Ionic Lattice (NaCl) — Click to Explore Why Can't You Melt Salt on a Kitchen Stove?

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

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!

21 questions on Ionic Compounds — practise free

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Key Definitions

Common Misconceptions