If a substance is ionic, then it likely will what ?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
If a substance is ionic, then it likely will dissolve in water and conduct electricity when dissolved or molten.
Explanation (Approx. 300 words):
Ionic compounds are formed from the electrostatic attraction between positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions). This typically occurs between metals and nonmetals. For example, sodium (Na) donates an electron to chlorine (Cl), forming the ionic compound sodium chloride (NaCl).
One of the most defining characteristics of ionic compounds is their ability to conduct electricity when dissolved in water or in molten form. This is because the ions are free to move in these states. In the solid state, the ions are locked in a crystal lattice and cannot move freely, so solid ionic compounds do not conduct electricity. However, once the compound is dissolved in water (aqueous solution) or melted into a liquid, the lattice breaks apart, freeing the ions to move. This mobility allows them to carry an electrical current.
Additionally, ionic compounds generally dissolve well in water because water is a polar solvent. The positive end of the water molecule is attracted to anions, and the negative end to cations, helping to separate and surround the individual ions—a process called dissociation. This interaction stabilizes the ions in solution and allows them to remain dispersed, which is necessary for electrical conductivity.
Other typical properties of ionic compounds include high melting and boiling points (due to strong ionic bonds), and a crystalline solid structure at room temperature. They also tend to be brittle—when force is applied, the ions may shift and cause like charges to align, which repel and cause the crystal to break.
In summary, if a substance is ionic, it likely dissolves in water and conducts electricity when dissolved or molten, due to the presence and mobility of charged particles (ions).