Giant Ionic Structure
Contents
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Giant ionic structures are large molecules in which the atoms are held together by ionic bonds.
About Giant Ionic Structures
- Giant ionic structures are molecules made of a large number of metal and non-metal ions joined by ionic bonds.
- The ions in a giant ionic structure are arranged in a regular lattice (a repeating pattern of elements.
Examples
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| Sodium Chloride forms a giant ionic structure. The Sodium is represented by the light purple positive ions and the Chloride is represented by the green negative ions. |
Bulk Properties
- Giant ionic structures are poor electrical conductors because the ions are not free to move.
- Most giant ionic structures can be broken down and dissolved in water.
- Giant ionic structures have high melting points due to the strong electrostatic force between the ions.