Why does Magnesium Oxide have a higher melting point than Sodium Chloride?

Both Magnesium Oxide and Sodium Chloride exist as a giant ionic lattices where each oppositely charged ion is held in place by a strong electrostatic attractions. These ionic bonds are strong and require a large amount of thermal energy to overcome them and break the structure, enabling it to change state from a solid into a liquid. The ionic bonding in Sodium Chloride is between Na+ and Clions whereas the ionic bonding in Magnesium Oxide is between Mg2+ and O2- ions. As the charge in the ionic lattice in Magnesium Oxide is two times as large, the ionic bonding is stronger so more energy is required to overcome the electrostatic attraction and break down the ionic lattice.

JC
Answered by James C. Chemistry tutor

78808 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain why potassium is more reactive than sodium, giving the balanced chemical symbol equation for the reaction of potassium and water.


Balance the equation and write the products of the following reaction for complete combustion: CH4 + O2 ---> _ + _


Ethane-1,2-diol can be dissolved in water to act as an anti-freeze in car radiators. Explain why ethane-1,2-diol is very soluble in water. (2)


What does a mixture consist of?


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences