Question

Which is the reason that ionic compounds are brittle?

The bonds between the anions and cations are weak and therefore easily broken.



A strong repulsive force is created when cations suddenly align.



They involve positive metal ions in a sea of delocalized electrons.



They share electrons, which makes the bond brittle.

Answer 1

The correct answer would be the third one. Ionic solids are brittle for the reason that the numerous interactions between oppositely charged ions grip the charged particles in comparatively fixed positions. Meaning, the ionic solids are brittle and hard for the reason that the electrostatic magnetisms in the solid again hold the ions in certain positions.