Which description matches an ionic lattice?

Which description matches an ionic lattice?

• A. Particles: Molecules; Forces: Van der Waals; Properties: Low melting point, not conductors.
• B. Particles: Atoms; Forces: Covalent bonds; Properties: Very hard.
• C. Particles: Ions; Forces: Electrostatic attraction; Properties: High melting points, good conductors when dissolved.
• D. Particles: Positive ions and delocalized electrons; Forces: Metallic bonding; Properties: High melting point, good conductors.

Answer: (C)

An ionic lattice is built from positively and negatively charged ions held together by strong electrostatic attractions between opposite charges. This arrangement, with ions fixed in a repeating pattern, explains why the description fits: the particles are ions, the binding is electrostatic attraction (ionic bonding), and the material has a high melting point because those forces are strong. It also conducts electricity when melted or dissolved because the ions can move and carry charge in that state. In solid form, ions are immobile, so it doesn’t conduct as a solid, which distinguishes it from metallic and covalent networks.

An ionic lattice is built from positively and negatively charged ions held together by strong electrostatic attractions between opposite charges. This arrangement, with ions fixed in a repeating pattern, explains why the description fits: the particles are ions, the binding is electrostatic attraction (ionic bonding), and the material has a high melting point because those forces are strong. It also conducts electricity when melted or dissolved because the ions can move and carry charge in that state. In solid form, ions are immobile, so it doesn’t conduct as a solid, which distinguishes it from metallic and covalent networks.