The physical properties of ionic substances

1 mark · Easy

State why crystals of sodium chloride have a regular shape.

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The regular arrangement of ions in the lattice causes crystals to be regular in shape.

Also accept: Because the ions are arranged in a regular repeating pattern.; Due to the regular lattice structure of sodium chloride.

Common mistakes: They are made of molecules.; Because they are pure substances.

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Marking points

B1 · 1 mark · States that the regular shape is due to the regular arrangement of ions in the lattice

Worked solution

Sodium chloride crystals have a regular shape because the ions are arranged in a regular repeating pattern in the giant ionic lattice.