Question 9

Explain

(i) The basis of similarities and differences between metallic and ionic crystals.

(ii) Ionic solids are hard and brittle.

Answer

(i) Both metallic and ionic crystals has strong forces of attraction between their atoms or ions. In metallic crystals there is a strong metallic bond present between electrons and positively charged ions. In ionic crystals there is a strong ionic bonds between anions and cations. Both of them conduct electricity, but metallic crystals conduct electricity in all three states of matter while ionic crystals conduct electricity only in molten state.

(ii) The ionic solids are hard and brittle because they have strong electrostatic forces of attraction between the anions and cations .As a result the anions and cations are tightly held by these forces and due to which they are unable to move and they are fixed at one position. So when force is applied to break them, they appear to be hard.

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