Q:
Why does sodium chloride have a high melting point?
A:
Quick Answer
Sodium chloride has a high melting point because of the strong electrostatic attraction between its positive and negative ions; this requires more heat energy to overcome. All ionic compounds have high melting points for this reason.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
The difference in melting points for ionic compounds can be explained by the size of the ions themselves; smaller ions are able to get closer, and this increases the strength of the electrostatic charge between them. Another factor affecting the melting point of ionic compounds is the number of charges on the ion. For example, magnesium oxide has a charge of +2 and -2, which is stronger than sodium chloride's ionic charge of +1 and -1.
Learn more about States of MatterSources:
Related Questions
-
Q:
What is the melting point of sugar?
A: Sugar does not have a fixed melting point. Instead, as sugar increases in temperature, its molecules began to decompose. While heating sugar does produce a... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is the melting point of KCI?
A: The melting point of potassium chloride, or KCl, is 1,419.8 degrees Fahrenheit, or 771 degrees Celsius. Potassium chloride boils at 2,732 degrees Fahrenhei... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Why does salt make water boil faster?
A: Adding salt to water actually boosts the boiling point a few degrees, but even with the higher boiling point, salt water boils faster than pure water becau... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is an example of something that is not matter?
A: Any abstract concept, such as love or happiness, or type of energy, such as sound, light or heat, is not considered matter. Ideas, thoughts, time, speech a... Full Answer >Filed Under:
