Ionic compounds

Regular lattice structure:

• Ionic compounds always have giant inonic lattices
• The ions form a closely packed regular lattice arrangement
• There are very strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions in all directions
• A simple sodium chloride crystal is one giant ionic lattice which is why salt crystals tend to be cuboid

Properties:

• Ionic compounds all have similar properties
• They all have high melting and boiling points due to the strong attraction between the ions
• It takes a large amount of energy to overcome this attraction
• When ionic compunds melt, the ions are free to move and they'll carry electric current
• They dissolve easily in water-the ions separate and are all free to move in the solution so they'll carry electric current