This memory aid covers Memory Aids 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 9 of 12 in this topic. Use it for quick recall, then test yourself straight afterwards so the memory aid becomes usable in an answer.
Topic position
Section 9 of 12
Practice
20 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
🧠 Memory Aids
Conductivity states: "Solid = stuck, Liquid = loose, Solution = swimming"
- Solid ionic compound — ions are stuck in the lattice → NO conduction
- Molten (liquid) ionic compound — lattice gone, ions loose → CONDUCTS
- Dissolved in solution — ions swimming freely → CONDUCTS
Melting point comparison: Think of "CHARGES matter MOST" — higher charges mean stronger attractions mean higher melting points. MgO (2+, 2-) beats NaCl (1+, 1-).
Brittleness: "Shift = Same = Shatter" — when layers shift, same charges align, and the crystal shatters due to repulsion.