The properties of ionic substances

How to plan the experiment

By now you will have studied a little about ionic bonding and you should be familiar with the main characteristics of ionic bonding:

• Bonding between a metal and a non-metal.
  Transfer of electrons from the metal atom(s) to the non-metal atom(s).
  Formation of ions with full outer shells.
  Ions held together in giant lattices by electrostatic attraction.

What do you know about the general properties of ionic substances?

• Do they dissolve in water easily?
  Do they dissolve in organic solvents easily?
  Do they melt easily?
  What do they usually look like?
  Are they conductors or non-conductors in solution?

Using your knowledge of ionic substances and considering the available measuring apparatus in the laboratory plan an experiment to investigate anything to do with ionic substances.

You should:

• Choose an aspect of ionic properties
  Select a research question
  Plan a method to obtain sufficient data
  Analyse your data to answer your research question

Experimental write-up

• Aim: The research question
  Hypothesis: What you think you will find and why
  Plan and diagrams: The method you used or intend to use
  Results: All readings and data, correctly set out. The data should also be processed here.
  Conclusions: What the data tells you with an explanation in scientific terms
  Evaluation: Discuss your experimental design, errors and inaccuracies. Suggest ways that it could be improved and further investigation (relating to your research question) that could be carried out.

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