Select the correct word or phrase to complete the statement about ionic compounds.



The melting point of an ionic compound is likely to be [higher than / lower than / the same as] a molecular compound.

Verified Answer :

Final answer:

Ionic compounds have higher melting points than molecular compounds due to the strong ionic bonds holding them together. The significant energy required to break these bonds results in much higher melting points. For example, sodium chloride melts at 801 °C, while water melts at 0 °C.


Explanation:

Understanding the Melting Points of Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Ionic compounds typically have very high melting points compared to molecular compounds. This difference is primarily due to the nature of the bonds that form these compounds. Ionic compounds are made of positive and negative ions that are held together by strong electrostatic forces called ionic bonds. These bonds require significant energy to break, resulting in high melting points.

For example, sodium chloride (NaCl), a common ionic compound, has a melting point of about 801 °C, while a simple molecular compound like water (H2O) has a melting point of 0 °C. Thus, we can conclude that the melting point of an ionic compound is likely to be higher than that of a molecular compound.


Learn more about melting points here:

https://brainly.com/question/47516023