Explain why ionic compounds such as potassium sulfide have high boiling points and conduct electricity when dissolved in water?

Such compounds have high boiling points because bonds between the atoms are strong. The boiling point largely depends on electronegativity difference between the atoms - as this difference is greater, so is the force that keeps them together. They conduct electricity when molten because ions are free to move in liquid state, due to weakened intra- and intermolecular forces, i.e. ions begin to separate as they gain more energy, be it through electric potential or heat.

Answered by IVOR M. Chemistry tutor

10523 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is ionic bonding? Give an example


How does increasing the temperature increase the rate of a reaction?


What is Le Chatelier's Principle?


An unknown compound burns with a lilac flame and produces a yellow precipitate when mixed with dilute nitric acid and silver nitrate. Give the formula of the compound.


We're here to help

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