Ionic Solids

Definition

Solids built from discrete positive and negative ions held in a rigid grid by electrostatic attraction.

Every ion is clamped to its neighbors, locked into a grid where every positive charge braces against a negative one. Their discrete charges are recognizable enough for water to surround, stabilize, and separate. Chloride and carbonate compounds are ionic, in contrast to the covalent network framework of silica.

Related concepts

Lattice Energy · Covalent Network Solid · Dissolution

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Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🧱 materials