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Solid differences? Chemistry?

What is the difference between an Ionic solid and a molecular solid??

Please help me really understand the difference beyond Basic elementary :)

Thank you

1 Answer

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  • Anonymous
    9 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    Ionic solids and molecular solids differ in both their chemical composition and physical properties.

    Ionic solids:

    Are composed of ions

    Are formed by one chemical species completely removing 1 or more electrons from another species, thereby turning each species into a charged ion

    Are made of rigid crystals

    Have extremely high melting points (1000K+)

    Are almost all soluble in water

    Molecular solids:

    Are composed of covalent bonds

    Are formed by atoms sharing electrons with each other

    Are generally not as rigid as ionic solids; can form crystals or powders

    Have low melting points (usually between 273 K and 400 K)

    Are usually not soluble in water

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