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Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · CHEMISTRY · Section

The physical properties of ionic substances

19 practice questions

Practice questions

1–8 of 8 · Easy

  1. Question 1

    1 mark · Easy

    State why crystals of sodium chloride have a regular shape.

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  2. Question 2

    3 marks · Easy

    (a)

    Name the two types of ions found in sodium chloride.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Describe the arrangement of ions around a single sodium ion in the lattice.

    [1 mark]
    (c)

    State whether sodium chloride exists as molecules or as a giant ionic lattice.

    [1 mark]
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  3. Question 3

    2 marks · Easy

    Ionic compounds often form crystals. Explain why the crystalline property is linked to the structure of their ions.

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  4. Question 4

    3 marks · Easy

    The table shows part of the arrangement of ions around a sodium ion in sodium chloride:

    IonCountDistance from central sodium ion (pm)
    Chloride ion6280
    Sodium ion12400
    Chloride ion8490
    (a)

    What type of lattice is formed by sodium chloride?

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    How many chloride ions are nearest to each sodium ion?

    [1 mark]
    (c)

    Describe how the pattern of ions continues in the lattice.

    [1 mark]
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  5. Question 5

    1 mark · Easy

    State why ionic compounds such as sodium chloride have high melting points.

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  6. Question 6

    3 marks · Easy

    (a)

    What does it mean if a substance is described as 'crystalline'?

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Explain how the structure of sodium chloride leads to its crystalline appearance.

    [2 marks]
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  7. Question 7

    2 marks · Easy

    The strong electrostatic forces between ions in an ionic lattice result in high melting points for ionic compounds.

    Suppose it takes 780 kJ of energy to melt 1 mole of sodium chloride (NaCl). Calculate the energy required to melt 2.5 moles of sodium chloride.

    Show your working and state the unit.

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  8. Question 8

    2 marks · Easy

    In sodium chloride, each sodium ion (Na^+) is surrounded by 6 chloride ions (Cl^-).

    Calculate the total number of chloride ions immediately surrounding sodium ions in a lattice that contains 4 sodium ions.

    Show your working.

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