Question
Distinguish between ionic solids and molecular solids.

Answer

Type/ Property Ionic solids Molecular solids
1. Particles of unit cell Cations and anions Monoatomic or polyatomic molecules
2. Interparticle forces Electrostatic London, dipole-dipole forces and/or hydrogen bonds
3. Hardness Hard and brittle Soft
4. Melting points High $600 ^\circ\ C$ to $3000 ^\circ\ C$ Low ($-272 ^\circ\ C$ to $400 ^\circ\ C$)
5. Thermal and electrical conductivity Poor electrical conductors in solid state. Good conductors when melted or dissolved in water. Poor conductor of heat and electricity
6. Examples $NaCl, CaF_2$ ice, benzoic acid

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