AQA · GCSE · Combined Science
Course version: 8464 · Version from Sept 2018
Ionic compounds have regular structures (giant ionic lattices) in which…
Full specification wording
Properties of ionic compounds: Ionic compounds have regular structures (giant ionic lattices) in which there are strong electrostatic forces of attraction in all directions between oppositely charged ions.
When a metal reacts with a non-metal, electrons are transferred to form positive and negative ions.
Checked against the AQA 8464 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 3
- 2 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
When a metal reacts with a non-metal, electrons are transferred to form positive and negative ions. These ions do not sit in pairs; they pack into a regular three-dimensional arrangement called a giant ionic lattice. In sodium chloride, each Na⁺ ion is surrounded by six Cl⁻ ions and each Cl⁻ by six Na⁺ ions, so the pattern repeats in every direction. The lattice is held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions. These forces act in all directions, not just between one pair of ions, which is why the structure is described as giant. The regular arrangement also explains why ionic crystals have flat faces and cleave along definite planes. Understanding this structure is the foundation for explaining the high melting and boiling points of ionic compounds.
What earns the marks
- Ions are arranged in a regular repeating pattern, not randomly or in isolated pairs.
- The structure extends in three dimensions, so it is described as a giant lattice.
- Oppositely charged ions attract one another by electrostatic forces.
- The attraction acts in all directions around each ion, not only along one line.
- A named example such as sodium chloride can be used to show six-fold coordination of Na⁺ and Cl⁻.
- The forces are between ions, so they are electrostatic rather than covalent bonds between molecules.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Drawing only one Na⁺ ion next to one Cl⁻ ion and calling it a lattice.
Put it right: Show a repeating 3-D pattern with each ion surrounded by oppositely charged ions.
Saying the ions are held by covalent bonds.
Put it right: The attraction is electrostatic between oppositely charged ions, not shared electrons.
Describing the forces as acting only between neighbouring pairs.
Put it right: The electrostatic attraction acts in all directions throughout the lattice.
Exam tips
- Use the phrase 'giant ionic lattice' and state that it is a regular arrangement.
- When explaining properties, always link the structure back to electrostatic forces between oppositely charged ions.
- If asked to draw a diagram, label the ions with their charges, for example Na⁺ and Cl⁻, and show the pattern repeating.
Try the lesson
The start of the Properties of ionic compounds: Ionic compounds have regular structures (giant ionic lattices) in which there are strong electrostatic forces of attraction in all directions between oppositely charged ions. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
In a crystal of magnesium oxide, the Mg²⁺ ions and O²⁻ ions are held together in a giant ionic lattice. What is the name of the force that holds these oppositely charged ions together?
Listen
When a metal reacts with a non-metal, electrons are transferred to form positive and negative ions. These ions do not sit in pairs; they pack into a regular three-dimensional arrangement called a giant ionic lattice. In sodium chloride, each Na⁺ ion is surrounded by six Cl⁻ ions and each Cl⁻ by six Na⁺ ions, so the pattern repeats in every direction. The lattice is held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions. These forces act in all directions, not just between one pair of ions, which is why the structure is described as giant. The regular arrangement also explains why ionic crystals have flat faces and cleave along definite planes. Understanding this structure is the foundation for explaining the high melting and boiling points of ionic compounds. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Ions are arranged in a regular repeating pattern, not randomly or in isolated pairs. The structure extends in three dimensions, so it is described as a giant lattice. Oppositely charged ions attract one another by electrostatic forces. The attraction acts in all directions around each ion, not only along one line. A common slip: Drawing only one Na⁺ ion next to one Cl⁻ ion and calling it a lattice. Instead, show a repeating 3-D pattern with each ion surrounded by oppositely charged ions. Exam tip: Use the phrase 'giant ionic lattice' and state that it is a regular arrangement.
See it
Key words
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Giant ionic lattices
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Electrostatic forces of attraction
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See every definition
- Giant ionic lattices
- Regular structures in which oppositely charged ions are arranged in a repeating three-dimensional pattern.
- Electrostatic forces of attraction
- Strong forces acting in all directions between oppositely charged ions in a giant ionic lattice.
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