Properties of Ionic Compounds

Explain that ionic compounds typically possess highly regular internal structures, referred to as giant ionic lattices.

Describe how giant ionic lattices heavily feature powerful electrostatic forces of attraction functioning actively in all internal directions between oppositely charged massive ions.

Explain strictly why these specific compounds possess exceedingly high melting points and high boiling points, referencing the immense amounts of thermal energy necessary to break the countless strong ionic bonds.

Explain why standard ionic compounds successfully conduct electricity when completely melted or fully dissolved in water, detailing that the massive ions become free to move and explicitly allow electrical charge to flow.

Recognise that explicitly memorizing the exact internal structures of specific ionic compounds other than standard sodium chloride is not required.