The Accepted Structural Model for Giant Ionic Structures

Structure and Formation

Giant ionic structure is formed by the strong attraction between positively and negatively charged ions. This attraction, known as ionic bonding, extends in all directions in the lattice.
The ions are held together in a repeating pattern or lattice structure, making the structure highly ordered.
The formation of a giant ionic structure involves one atom (usually, a metal) donating one or more electrons to another atom (usually, a non-metal). This forms a positive ion and a negative ion.
Example structures include Sodium Chloride (NaCl) and Magnesium Oxide (MgO).

Properties of Giant Ionic Structures

Ionic structures are usually solids at room temperature due to the strong forces of attraction between the ions.
They have high melting and boiling points because of the large amounts of energy required to break the strong ionic bonds.
When dissolved in water or melted, ionic compounds conduct electricity. This is because the ions are free to move and carry charge.
They are typically brittle and will shatter under strong force. The layers of ions can slide over each other and ions of the same charge can align, repelling each other and breaking the structure.

Structure vs Properties

Remember that the properties of ionic compounds - high melting points, brittleness, ability to conduct electricity in a liquid state but not in a solid state - can all be explained by considering the ionic structure: a repeating, three-dimensional lattice of oppositely charged ions that extends in all directions. You must be able to explain how the properties are a result of the structure.