Properties of ionic compounds class 10
Properties of ionic compounds class 10 :
The General properties for ionic compounds—
(i) Physical nature: Ionic
compounds are solids and are somewhat hard because of the strong force of
attraction between the positive and negative ions. These compounds are
generally brittle and break into pieces when pressure is applied.
(ii) Melting and Boiling points:
Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points (see Table 3.4). This is
because a considerable amount of energy is required to break the strong
inter-ionic attraction.
(iii) Solubility: Electrovalent
compounds are generally soluble in water and insoluble in solvents such as
kerosene, petrol, etc.
(iv) Conduction of Electricity: The
conduction of electricity through a solution involves the movement of charged
particles. A solution of an ionic compound in water contains ions, which move
to the opposite electrodes when electricity is passed through the solution.
Ionic compounds in the solid state do not conduct electricity because movement
of ions in the solid is not possible due to their rigid structure. But ionic
compounds conduct electricity in the molten state. This is possible in the
molten state since the electrostatic forces of attraction between the oppositely
charged ions are overcome due to the heat. Thus, the ions move freely and
conduct electricity.
(V) Ionic reactions are very fast.
