The melting point of a solid is a measure of

Correct answer: B. the strength of the forces holding its particles together

  • A. the mass of its particles
  • B. the strength of the forces holding its particles together
  • C. the size of its crystals
  • D. its electrical conductivity

Explanation

Melting requires enough thermal energy to overcome the forces locking the particles in the lattice, so covalent network and ionic solids melt very high, metals vary widely and molecular solids melt low. Comparing melting points is therefore a quick way to infer the type of bonding in an unknown solid. Crystal size affects appearance but not the temperature at which melting occurs.

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About Crystalline Solids

Crystalline solids contain particles arranged in a regular repeating lattice described by a unit cell. Their study includes coordination number, packing efficiency, density, anisotropy, cleavage, polymorphism and common crystal systems, along with ionic, molecular, covalent network and metallic crystals. Crystalline order differs from the random arrangement of amorphous solids.

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