Compared with the melting points of ionic compounds, the melting points of molecular solids tend to be what?

Answer 1

Much lower.

Ionic compounds are non-molecular; they are formed of an infinite array of cations and anions that are attracted by strong electrostatic forces, which in aggregate are greater than the associated electrostatic repulsion between ions of like charges.

On the other hand, molecular materials, gases, liquids, and solids, may have marginal degrees of intermolecular attraction. The molecule is a discrete unit, that may not bind intermolecularly (i.e. gases) even though the intramolecular interaction is strong; or alternatively are reliant on some unspecified means of interaction: dispersion forces; dipole-dipole; H-bonding.

What do I mean by #"intermolecular"# versus #"intramolecular"#?

Can you think of a non-molecular solid that displays only covalent bonds? Hint, you might have to buy one when you propose marriage.

Sign up to view the whole answer

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Sign up with email
Answer 2

When it comes to melting points, molecular solids typically have lower melting points than ionic compounds.

Sign up to view the whole answer

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Sign up with email
Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

Not the question you need?

Drag image here or click to upload

Or press Ctrl + V to paste
Answer Background
HIX Tutor
Solve ANY homework problem with a smart AI
  • 98% accuracy study help
  • Covers math, physics, chemistry, biology, and more
  • Step-by-step, in-depth guides
  • Readily available 24/7