Question

Why are the melting points of ionic compounds higher than those of covalent compounds?

A) Ionic compounds have stronger intermolecular forces.
B) Covalent compounds have stronger electrostatic attractions.
C) Ionic compounds have weaker molecular bonds.
D) Covalent compounds have higher molecular masses.

Answer 1

Ionic compounds have stronger electrostatic attractions than covalent compounds, leading to their higher melting points. Covalent compounds are held by weaker intermolecular forces, resulting in lower melting points. (Option A).

Step-by-step explanation:

The melting points of ionic compounds are higher than those of covalent compounds because ionic compounds are held together by strong electrostatic attractions between oppositely charged ions, which require more energy to overcome.

In contrast, covalent compounds consist of molecules held together by weaker intermolecular forces. These forces, like London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole attractions, or hydrogen bonding, are much easier to disrupt than the ionic bonds in a crystal lattice.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question is A) Ionic compounds have stronger intermolecular forces. The strength of these ionic bonds leads to ionic compounds typically being hard crystalline solids with high melting points, unlike covalent compounds which may be gases, liquids, or solids with significantly lower melting points.