Question

Read the following sentence and answer the questions: "$\text{NaCl}$ is an ionic compound." 

1. Why is \( \text{NaCl} \) an ionic compound? 
2. State any two properties of ionic compounds.

Hint:

Ionic compounds are formed when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, resulting in oppositely charged ions that attract each other. These compounds tend to have high melting points and can conduct electricity when dissolved in water or melted.

Answer 1

1. Why is \( \text{NaCl} \) an ionic compound?
   • \( \text{NaCl} \) (sodium chloride) is an ionic compound because it is formed when sodium (Na) donates one electron to chlorine (Cl). This results in the formation of \( \text{Na}^+ \) (sodium ion) and \( \text{Cl}^- \) (chloride ion), which are held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction, forming an ionic bond.
2. Properties of Ionic Compounds:
   • Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points due to the strong electrostatic forces between the ions.
   • Ionic compounds conduct electricity in molten or aqueous form because the ions are free to move and carry charge.