Bonding & StructureTopic Summary
Topic Summary: Ionic Compounds
Part of Ionic Compounds — GCSE Chemistry
This topic summary covers Topic Summary: Ionic Compounds 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 12 of 12 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 12 of 12
Practice
20 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
Topic Summary: Ionic Compounds
Key Terms
- Giant ionic lattice: regular 3D arrangement of alternating ions
- Electrostatic attraction: force between opposite charges
- Electrolyte: conducts electricity when dissolved/molten
- Brittle: shatters when force applied (layer shift → repulsion)
Must-Know Facts
- No molecules — giant lattice structure
- High MP/BP — many strong electrostatic forces
- Solid: NO conduction (ions fixed)
- Molten/dissolved: CONDUCTS (ions free to move)
- Higher charge → stronger forces → higher MP
- MgO melts at 2852°C vs NaCl at 801°C