Properties of giant ionic structures
I can describe the properties of ionic compounds and explain how they result from the ionic structure model.
Properties of giant ionic structures
I can describe the properties of ionic compounds and explain how they result from the ionic structure model.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In a giant ionic structure there are strong electrostatic forces in all directions between oppositely charged particles.
- Ionic compounds have high melting points and high boiling points because strong ionic bonds need to be broken.
- Most ionic substances can dissolve in water.
- The ions of ionic compounds dissolved in water are free to move around and the solution can conduct electricity.
- The ions of ionic compounds that are in the liquid state are free to move around and the liquid can conduct electricity.
Keywords
Conductor - A conductor is a substance that allows charge or energy to flow through it easily due to the presence of delocalised electrons.
Melting point - The temperature at which a substance changes from solid state to a liquid state.
Charge carrier - A particle that enables electrical conductivity, such as delocalised electrons or free–moving ions.
Dissolve - When a substance's particles separate and spread throughout the particles of a solvent resulting in it no longer being seen.
Solubility - The ability of a substance to dissolve in a particular solvent creating a solution; how well a solute dissolves in a solvent.
Common misconception
There are several misconceptions associated with properties such as when something dissolves it disappears, electrical conductivity is a flow of electrons rather than charge.
When discussing electrical conductivity, emphasise the idea of electrical conductivity being a flow charge with ions behaving as charge carriers. The electron transfer that occurs during ion formation is nothing to do with conductivity.
To help you plan your year 10 chemistry lesson on: Properties of giant ionic structures, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 chemistry lesson on: Properties of giant ionic structures, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 chemistry lessons from the Structure and bonding unit, dive into the full secondary chemistry curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
A measure of how well a material conducts electricity.
A measure of how well a material transfers energy when heated.
Temperature at which a substance changes from solid to a liquid state.
A particle that enables electrical conductivity.
How well a solute dissolves in a solvent