Ionic compounds have high melting points: Explain why and explain why Calcium Oxide has a higher melting point than Lithium Chloride

Ionic compounds are formed when electrostatic attractions form between oppositely charged ions. These attractions are strong and so require a large amount of energy to break. This energy is provided in the high melting temperature.CaO has a higher melting point than LiCl due to the Ca2+ ion. This ion has a greater charge than Li+ and so forms stronger attractions. The stronger the attraction, the more energy required to overcome it.

Answered by Sam M. Chemistry tutor

21752 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are ionic bonds?


What are the differences in structures of diamond and graphite? And how do they relate to their chemical properties and uses?


Draw a diagram that represents the electronic arrangement of a fluorine atom.


What is the mass (in grams) of 0.1 moles of CaCO3?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences